Prosecutor's opinion presented in the 19-defendant trial involving Tanju Özcan: Release with judicial control requested

The trial of 19 defendants, including Tanju Özcan, who was suspended from his post as Mayor of Bolu, continued.

On the fourth day of the first hearing of the case, in which the defendants are charged with "extortion by coercion," "attempted extortion," "bribery," "qualified fraud," and "violation of the Law on Foundations and Associations No. 5072," and for which a prison sentence of up to 263 years is sought for Özcan, witness testimonies were heard.

Allegation of "donation to BOLSEV in exchange for a license"

During the hearing, witnesses were heard regarding allegations that a donation was made to the Bolu City Service and Education Foundation (BOLSEV) in exchange for the licensing procedures of a cafe. Witness E.Y. stated that the regulations changed during the period when he transferred the cafe in question, saying, "Since a new license could not be issued, the license continued under my name. There is no problem with the main building's license. There was a problem with the license for the hair tent.

Afterwards, they continued to operate the cafe under my name. They said, 'Mustafa Altındal will handle the license issue.' We went to the Bolu Municipality and met with Tanju Özcan together with Mustafa Altındal.

Mustafa Altındal said, 'Let's handle these kids' business, and they can make a donation to BOLSEV.' Altındal said, 'If you make a donation to BOLSEV, your business will be taken care of,' and asked, 'How much money can we arrange?' I was also asking the person I transferred it to, 'When will you take the cafe over from me?'"

M.T.M., who was heard as a complainant as a relative of the party wishing to take over the cafe, stated that he did not attend the meeting held at the municipality because a license could not be obtained, saying, "Since my cousin could not get a cafe license, we wanted to get support together with Mustafa Altındal, who has a good relationship with Tanju Özcan. A meeting was held at the municipality; I was not at the meeting. I met with Muhsin Karadayı outside the municipality, and he said he would make a donation to the municipality," he said.

Prosecutor requests continued detention for 5 defendants

Following the witness statements, the public prosecutor presented his opinion; he requested the release of one of the detained defendants, CHP Municipal Council Member Cihan Tutal, under judicial control measures.

The prosecutor requested that the detention of suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, Deputy Mayor Süleyman Can, BOLSEV Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız, Bolu Peddlers and Greengrocers Tradesmen Chamber and Bolu Köroğlu Credit, Tradesmen and Bail Chamber President Mustafa Altındal, and Bolu Municipality Financial Services Manager Naim Ayhan be continued.

After the statements of the non-detained defendants and their lawyers against the prosecutor's opinion were taken, the court panel adjourned the hearing until tomorrow. The court is expected to announce its interim decision at tomorrow's hearing.

News Source: 12punto