In the first hearing of the 'Mehmet Akif Criminal Organization' case, in which journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy is alleged to have been the leader of a group accused of operating under charges of 'group sexual activity' and 'narcotics,' the court panel ruled for the continued detention of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Mustafa Manaz, while Ufuk Tetik was released.
In the indictment prepared against journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy and 7 other suspects arrested as part of a 'narcotics' investigation, it was requested that Ersoy be sentenced to up to 286 years and 2 months in prison for the crimes of 'establishing and managing a criminal organization,' 11 counts of 'qualified sexual assault,' 'trafficking or providing narcotic or stimulant substances,' and 'facilitating the use of narcotic substances.' The first hearing of the case, in which journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy is alleged to be the leader, began today at the Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court.
MEHMET AKİF ERSOY FACES THE JUDGE
While it was initially decided that the hearing would be closed to the press, members of the media were later permitted to enter the courtroom. The detained and non-detained defendants, including Mehmet Akif Ersoy, were present in the courtroom, while some defendants participated via the SEGBİS video conferencing system.
DETENTION TO CONTINUE
Ersoy and the other defendants presented their defenses throughout the day. At the end of the hearing, the court panel announced its decision. The court ruled for the continued detention of Ersoy and Mustafa Manaz. A release order was issued for Ufuk Tetik. The hearing was adjourned until October 9.
News Source: 12punto
