Fazlı Yurter Özcan, the former US representative for the Republican People's Party (CHP), is now in the spotlight due to a felony criminal case filed against him.
According to a report in Sözcü, Özcan, who filed a 1.6 million dollar lawsuit against the CHP last year citing unpaid wages, is now being tried in the US on charges of "malicious wounding."
According to court records, it was learned that Özcan was taken into custody on August 6 due to an incident he was involved in on July 17, 2025, in the state of Virginia. The act in question is classified as a "felony."
Özcan, who began his role as the US representative in 2013 during the Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu era, parted ways with the CHP last year. Now, the case filed against him has drawn attention back to his political background.
POTENTIAL PRISON SENTENCE OF 5 TO 20 YEARS
Under Virginia law, the crime of malicious wounding can result in a prison sentence of 5 to 20 years and a fine of up to 100 thousand dollars. It was reported that following his arrest, Özcan was released without bail, but the court process is ongoing.
According to the latest developments in the file, the hearing scheduled for October 14 has been postponed to December 9.
POSSIBILITY OF A PLEA DEAL OR ACQUITTAL
Under the US legal system, defendants have the right to enter into a "plea deal" with the prosecution to avoid a sentence or to reduce the crime to a lesser category. It is stated that Özcan may also consider this possibility.
On the other hand, if there is insufficient evidence during the court process, a full acquittal for Özcan is also among the possibilities. If the crime is proven, it is noted that a suspended sentence or probation could be granted.
News Source: 12punto
