Gülben Ergen’s testimony in the Ahbap investigation revealed: ‘I am sad and a victim’

Details of the statements made by artist Gülben Ergen, who testified at the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office as part of the investigation into the Ahbap Association, have emerged. Ergen stated that she feels “morally troubled and a victim” due to allegations that the aid she provided during the February 6 earthquakes was used for purposes other than intended.

In her testimony, Ergen said she had no prior acquaintance with Haluk Levent or Oğuzhan Uğur before the earthquakes. Explaining that she met with Haluk Levent during the earthquake process on the occasion of a free concert, Ergen stated that she came together with Oğuzhan Uğur after the earthquake as part of a program on violence against women and child abuse.

“I DID NOT DIRECT ANYONE SPECIFICALLY TO AHBAP”

Reminding that she is the president and founder of the “Children Should Smile Association” (Çocuklar Gülsün Diye Derneği), Ergen explained that she had 17 schools built in 11 provinces in the earthquake zone with the approval of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Education. Ergen said that she sent aid from her personal account to various institutions, including AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), and the Ahbap Association, during the earthquake period.

Stating that she wanted to support aid campaigns by tagging different institutions and organizations in her social media posts, Ergen emphasized that she did not make any specific direction to the Ahbap Association. Ergen also expressed that she had no knowledge regarding the Ahbap Association and Haluk Levent's management of the collected aid prior to the investigation process.

It was learned that in her testimony, Ergen stated she carried out aid activities under the coordination of AFAD during the earthquake process and said, “Regarding the collected aid, I feel morally troubled and a victim as a citizen, given that the aid I provided may have been used for purposes other than intended.” Ergen also noted that she reserves her right to file a complaint regarding this matter.

Stating that they did not receive any fee for the concert organized for Gaza, Ergen said that the event in question was not connected to the aid campaigns during the earthquake process. Ergen stated that she had no involvement in the aid campaign of the Ahbap Association and Haluk Levent.

News Source: 12punto