The first hearing of the case involving 7 defendants, including journalist Mehmet Akif Ersoy, was held at the Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court. Within the scope of the investigation, allegations of "narcotics" and "group sexual activity" regarding a structure allegedly led by Ersoy were the subject of the trial.
Some of the defendants, including 3 who are in custody, as well as defendants being tried without detention and lawyers for the parties, attended the hearing. Some defendants connected to the hearing via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS). 5 complainants were also present in the courtroom.
STATEMENTS OF THE COMPLAINANTS
Complainant M.A.Ö., who gave a statement at the hearing, said that she met with Ersoy and Nurullah Mahmut Dündar for a business meeting. Stating that she did not use drugs and was not harassed, M.A.Ö. said, "They asked me questions like, 'What are your fantasies, what do you like?'" M.A.Ö. also stated that she realized she was being recorded with a hidden camera during the meetings.
Another complainant, D.O., said that she was not subjected to any sexual assault and was not filing a complaint. D.O. stated that she saw drug use but that no one was forced, adding, "There is no situation for me to file a complaint. I was in a relationship that I enjoyed."
Complainant B.A. also stated that drugs were used at a birthday gathering, but that she was not forced into any act. B.A. said that she was with Mehmet Akif Ersoy of her own free will and did not have a relationship with other people.
B.Ö., one of the complainants who gave a statement, denied the allegations of group sexual activity. Stating that she used drugs of her own volition, B.Ö. expressed that she had a relationship with Ersoy by mutual consent, but that it was "definitely not a group relationship." Upon the presiding judge's question regarding a meeting in April 2024, B.Ö. said that Ersoy brought the cocaine that day, they did not pay any fee, and no sexual intercourse took place.
Complainant E.T. explained that she came to Istanbul for a pilot exam, and therefore using drugs was already forbidden for her. Stating that she was offered drugs but that there was no pressure when she refused, E.T. noted that she was not filing a complaint against the defendants.
Complainant E.G. stated that she and Mehmet Akif Ersoy were lovers, and alleged that there were usually drugs in Ersoy's house. E.G. said that she was not forced into any act and was not filing a complaint. A complainant named Ş.D.T. also claimed that drugs were used on a boat and that Ersoy brought the drugs; however, she stated that what happened took place with her consent and that she was not filing a complaint.
Complainant G.A., who gave a statement via SEGBİS, said that she did not see any drugs, did not have sexual intercourse, and that the alleged events did not take place in her house. It was reported that the hearing continued with the defense of the detained defendant Mehmet Akif Ersoy.
News Source: 12punto
