Tanju Özcan: I will continue my legal battle with determination

Following the conclusion of the first hearing in the case filed against 19 defendants, including Tanju Özcan, who has been suspended from his post as Mayor of Bolu, Özcan issued a statement via his social media account.

In the case filed against the defendants for the crimes of "extortion by coercion," "attempted extortion," "bribery," "qualified fraud," and "violation of Law No. 5072 on Foundations and Associations," a prison sentence of up to 263 years is being sought for Özcan.

Interim decision announced in the 19-defendant case

Following the first hearing, which lasted 5 days, the court panel announced its interim decision. The panel ruled for the continued detention of suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, Süleyman Can, BOLSEV Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız, and Mustafa Altındal, President of the Bolu Greengrocers and Vendors Chamber and the Bolu Köroğlu Credit and Bail Cooperative. The court panel ordered the release of detained defendants Cihan Tutal, a CHP Municipal Council member, and Naim Ayhan, Director of Financial Services at Bolu Municipality, under judicial control measures. The house arrest measure for Bolu Deputy Mayor Leyla Beykoz was lifted. The hearing was adjourned until September 7.

"I have already been acquitted in the court of public conscience; I will continue my legal battle with determination"

Following the decision, Tanju Özcan used the following expressions in his statement on his social media account:

"I have already been acquitted in the court of public conscience. I will continue my legal battle with determination. During the 5-day trial, the entire public saw that I was arrested unjustly and unlawfully, that there is not a single complainant against me, and that no concrete evidence has been presented regarding the alleged crimes.

Although it has been decided that my detention will continue, I know that I have already been acquitted in the conscience of society. Every statement, every document, and every defense presented in the courtroom has clearly demonstrated how baseless the allegations against me and my colleagues are.

Facts do not change. Sooner or later, they will surely emerge. Despite the decision rendered today, I will continue my legal battle and my belief that justice will be served with determination.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, my colleagues, and my esteemed lawyers who have not left my side for a moment during this process; and to the valuable people of Bolu and the dear Turkish nation who have given me strength with their prayers and support. Hoping to regain my freedom as soon as possible and reunite with you, I greet you all with love and respect."

News Source: 12punto