New phase in match-fixing investigation: Opinion to be prepared in match-fixing conspiracy case

The retrial of the case opened on the grounds that the Fetullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated a conspiracy in the "football match-fixing" investigation continues at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court. Non-detained defendants and lawyers for the parties attended the hearing, which is being reheard due to a procedural reversal. Some defendants, who are detained for other crimes, connected to the court via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS).

The lawyer for the Fenerbahçe Sports Club and former president Aziz Yıldırım, who are intervening parties in the case, was also present at the hearing.

Defendant İlhan İşbilen reminded the court that he had previously been acquitted and requested that an acquittal decision be issued again.

Another defendant, Seyfi Erdoğan, defended himself by stating that he had no connection to the match-fixing operation or any religious community structure.

PRISON SENTENCES RANGING FROM 35 TO 85 YEARS

Following the defense statements, the court panel decided to send the file to the public prosecutor for the preparation of an opinion and adjourned the hearing to a later date.

In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, prison sentences ranging from 35 to 85 years were requested for individuals such as Fetullah Gülen, Ekrem Dumanlı, Hidayet Karaca, and İlhan İşbilen on the grounds that FETÖ orchestrated a conspiracy through the "football match-fixing" investigation.

In the case that concluded in 2021, individuals such as Hidayet Karaca and Nazmi Ardıç were sentenced to long prison terms, while some defendants were acquitted.

However, the appellate court overturned the decision of the court of first instance on procedural grounds and decided that the case should be retried.

News Source: 12punto