New development in the Hrant Dink murder trial: 'Hearing adjourned'

Agos Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Hrant Dink's murder case has been heard.

In the 15-defendant case, which returned from the Court of Cassation and in which most of the defendants are public officials, it was decided that all defendants would remain in custody.

ADJOURNED TO MAY 31

The next hearing was adjourned to May 31 after the prosecutor stated that they could not prepare their opinion due to the comprehensive nature of the case file.

The hearing at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court was attended by detained defendants Okan Şimşek, Gazi Günay, Veysal Şahin, as well as the Dink family lawyer Hülya Deveci, defense attorneys, and other defendants via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from prison.

"WE HAVE NOT THE SLIGHTEST GUILT"

Defendant Hasan Durmuşoğlu, who was the responsible supervisor at the Trabzon Intelligence Branch during the time of the murder, stated that he performed his duties in accordance with the Constitution and the laws, and that he did not flee or hide so that his innocence would be revealed, and requested his release.

Defendant Muharrem Demirkale, a non-commissioned officer who was serving at the Istanbul Gendarmerie Intelligence Branch at the time, said, "We have not the slightest guilt."

Defendant Osman Gülbel also stated that he wanted to be tried without being detained. Other defendants also requested their release.

CONTINUATION OF DETENTION

The court panel decided that the detained defendants Gazi Günay, Hasan Durmuşoğlu, Muharrem Demirkale, Okan Şimşek, Osman Gülbel, Veysal Şahin, and Yavuz Karakaya would remain in custody.

The panel decided to continue the house arrest order for Defendant Ali Öz and the judicial control measures for some other defendants.

Furthermore, it ruled that the execution of the arrest warrant for defendant Faruk Sarı should be awaited.

News Source: 12punto