Nihal Candan denies allegations: 'I am battling a life-threatening illness'

The third hearing was held in the trial of Alisya Bahar Candan, who faces up to 44 years in prison, and Nihal Candan, who faces up to 24 years, on charges of fraud and membership in a criminal organization. Nihal Candan denied the accusations and made statements regarding her health and assets.

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Nihal Candan denies allegations: 'I am battling a life-threatening illness'

Nihal Candan, one of the defendants, presented her defense during the third session of the fraud and criminal organization membership trial continuing at the Küçükçekmece 5th High Criminal Court.

Candan claimed that she only had an emotional relationship with Onur Apaydın, who is mentioned as the leader of the organization in the indictment. Stating that she had dropped to 28 kilograms due to health problems, Candan said, "I am battling a life-threatening illness. I cannot eat, and my assets amount to only a bag or two and a pair of shoes or two."

SHE DID NOT ACCEPT THE ALLEGATIONS

Candan did not accept the allegations, stating, "I do not see a clear accusation against me in the indictment. I had an emotional relationship with Onur Apaydın in 2021. I did not attend the meetings. I cannot stay in the mentioned meat restaurant for a long time because meat dishes make my stomach turn."

Furthermore, she said, "I graduated from law school, but I cannot practice my profession because of this incident," adding that the accusations have had a severe impact on her.

WHAT IS IN THE INDICTMENT?

The indictment requests a prison sentence of 14 to 44 years for Bahar Candan for membership in a criminal organization, and 8 to 24 years for Nihal Candan. The indictment stated that Candan played an active role in special meetings organized for the criminal organization's fraud activities. Additionally, it is alleged that the criminal organization leader, Onur Apaydın, laundered proceeds of crime through Alisya Bahar Candan.

News Source: İHA