Striking CHP claim regarding Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı: 'He was in close dialogue...'
Journalist Fatih Altaylı has made striking claims regarding the political connections of television personality Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who was arrested as part of an investigation into illegal betting and money laundering. Altaylı alleged that Kütahyalı had been in intense contact with CHP figures in recent times.
12punto
New allegations have emerged regarding television programmer Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı, who was arrested as part of an operation involving illegal betting, qualified fraud, bribery, and money laundering that has resonated across Turkey.
Journalist Fatih Altaylı pointed out that Kütahyalı had increased his contacts, particularly with CHP members, in recent months, alleging that the reason for this was to secure himself against a possible change in the political atmosphere.
"HE WAS PORTRAYING HIMSELF AS THE LEADER OF THE GROUP"
Altaylı claimed that Kütahyalı had parted ways long ago with the circles he was once closely associated with. Arguing that Kütahyalı was directed by a high-level figure within a media structure, Altaylı stated, "At that time, he was in coordination with the friends who are now attacking him. He was even marketing himself as the 'leader' of this group."
"HE WAS NOT A TRUSTED FIGURE WITHIN THE AK PARTY"
Suggesting that Kütahyalı also lost his influence in ruling circles over time, Altaylı said, "He was not someone who was liked or trusted within the AK Party anyway." Stating that there were some figures in Beştepe who supported him, Altaylı added, "As of the summer months, he had no connections left there either. This was known, and his moves were not landing lately anyway. He was also aware of his situation."
"HE WAS TRYING TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH CHP MEMBERS"
According to Altaylı, Kütahyalı tried to develop contacts with the CHP circle in order to secure himself against a possible political change. Stating that he turned to building relationships within the CHP in this context, Altaylı said, "He was in close dialogue with CHP members in recent months."
Altaylı also stated that a CHP deputy who visited him while he was in prison mentioned that Kütahyalı frequently met with CHP figures.
In his assessment of the subject, Altaylı used the following expressions:
"It was known that his ex-wife, with whom he is in legal disputes, was also meeting with the CHP wing and especially the Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu faction, but he was also frequently calling, talking to, and providing information to CHP members. When a CHP deputy who came to visit me in prison told me they were meeting, I reacted by saying, 'How can you meet with this man?'"