Postponement decision in CHP convention criminal case
The latest hearing of the case opened over alleged irregularities at the 38th Ordinary Convention of the CHP was held in Ankara. Adem Soytekin, owner of ASOY Construction, who was heard as a witness, answered questions from the court panel and the lawyers of the parties. The case was adjourned until September 16, 2026.
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The trial process continued in the case opened over allegations of irregularities at the 38th Ordinary Convention of the Republican People's Party (CHP). In the latest hearing of the case held at the Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance, Adem Soytekin, the owner of ASOY Construction, who had previously been ordered to be heard as a witness, gave his testimony.
The trial of 12 defendants, including the detained presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, continues in the case.
HEARING BEGAN AT 10:00 AM
The hearing held at the Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance began at 10:00 AM.
The court panel heard Adem Soytekin as a witness in accordance with the interim decision taken at the previous hearing held on May 6.
Soytekin testified by connecting to the hearing via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBIS).
FIRST HEARING AFTER THE ABSOLUTE NULLITY DECISION
Today's hearing drew attention as it was the first criminal trial held following the absolute nullity decision regarding the CHP convention.
It was stated that the appellate court had issued a ruling in the absolute nullity case regarding the convention, and that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who was involved in this case as a "victim," had been reinstated to the position of CHP Chairman by a court order.
SOYTEKİN'S ALLEGATIONS REGARDING KİPTAŞ AND APARTMENT SALES
Testifying as a witness, Adem Soytekin alleged that in 2021, KİPTAŞ sold apartments to CHP-affiliated individuals by providing payment facilities.
When asked by the presiding judge, "Was the will of the delegates influenced in exchange for the provision of these apartments?", Soytekin replied, "Not to my knowledge. There were names sent to us by KİPTAŞ, and apartments were sold to these individuals."
RESPONSE TO THE CHP LAWYER'S QUESTION
Subsequently, Çağlar Çağlayan, one of the CHP lawyers, asked Soytekin whether any guidance related to the convention was provided during the real estate sales.
To Çağlayan's question, "During the sales of the properties between December 2021 and January 2022, did anyone say to you, 'We made a promise for the convention, sell to these names. We need to give apartments to these people to establish intra-party power'?", Soytekin replied, "No, no such conversation took place. There was a conversation to the effect that we would give these apartments to people who are CHP members and who have worked at the Metropolitan Municipality."
ANSWER TO THE QUESTION REGARDING THE CONVENTION DATE
During the hearing, CHP lawyer Çağlayan also asked, "Do you know when the convention was held?"
Soytekin responded to this question by saying, "It didn't come to mind, but I do know the date... I believe it was 2023."
CASE ADJOURNED TO SEPTEMBER 16
Following the completion of the witness statements, the court panel announced its interim decision.
The Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance decided that the next hearing of the criminal case regarding the 38th Ordinary Convention of the CHP would be held on September 16, 2026.