Joint statement from the family of Özlem Gültekin and the lawyers of Erhan Çelik

The death of Özlem Gültekin, who married news anchor Erhan Çelik in 2019, remains a prominent topic. While the investigation into the death of Gültekin, who was laid to rest in İzmir, continues, a joint statement has been issued by her family and the lawyers of Erhan Çelik.

THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIVORCE

Following the death of Özlem Gültekin, some events alleged to have occurred in the past were brought to the agenda. Claims were made that Gültekin, who was stated to be in the process of divorcing Erhan Çelik, had been subjected to violence in the past.

In the joint statement made through lawyers Ahmet Avşar and Işıl Ay Karataş Tunca, it was stated that the couple's divorce process was in its final stages.

The statement included the following remarks: "First and foremost, it should be known that Özlem Gültekin Çelik and Erhan Çelik were in the final stages of an agreement regarding an uncontested divorce. We see that the news and comments made, completely ignoring an innocent child who lost her mother at the age of only six and her future that needs to be protected, are becoming increasingly ugly and unacceptable."

MEDICATION CLAIMS DENIED

The statement expressed reaction to the linking of images and content regarding some events alleged to have occurred in the past to Gültekin's death.

"In particular, we do not accept the re-circulation of certain images and content regarding other disputes that occurred between the parties in the past, by linking them to the painful event we are experiencing today, and the targeting of our child's father through the phrase 'suspicious death' without any concrete evidence. Likewise, we reject claims such as that certain drugs were found, which do not reflect the truth at all."

"JUDICIAL EXAMINATION DOES NOT ALONE MEAN A CRIME"

In the joint statement, it was emphasized that the examination of Gültekin's death by judicial authorities does not in itself mean that there is a crime or an extraordinary situation in the incident.

"These broadcasts, made without any concrete evidence, not only harm the living; they also clearly constitute disrespect to the memory and moral personality of our Özlem, who was a piece of our soul. The examination of a death incident by judicial authorities does not in itself mean that there is a criminal or extraordinary situation underlying the death. Despite this, we once again invite those who try to create a perception of suspicion and guilt in the public by twisting the judicial examination process, and who make news and comments without any concrete information, to act responsibly."

"NECESSARY LEGAL INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN STARTED"

The statement noted that the six-year-old child should not be negatively affected by the ongoing process and reported that legal proceedings have been initiated against broadcasts targeting Erhan Çelik.

"We remind everyone that the irreparable consequences that broadcasts targeting a child's father without any legal or material basis can create, especially in such a difficult period when a six-year-old child has lost her mother, should be considered by everyone. In this context, we inform the public that the lawyers of both families have jointly initiated the necessary legal actions regarding the aforementioned broadcasts and comments.

We want an end to the speculation over our shared pain, the declaring of individuals as guilty in advance, and the disregard for the future of a six-year-old child for the sake of ratings or engagement. Before laws and legal sanctions, we expect to be allowed to experience our pain in the name of humanity and conscience."