Statement from CZN Burak, facing 5 years in prison: 'My father was handling it'

CZN Burak and his father, İsmail Özdemir, are being tried with a request for up to 5 years in prison each due to allegations of unauthorized construction within an 'Urban Conservation Area.' Defending himself in court, defendant Burak Özdemir said, "My father was handling the matter. He told me he had obtained all the permits. I had no involvement in the renovation."

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Statement from CZN Burak, facing 5 years in prison: 'My father was handling it'

Muhammed Burak Özdemir, known by the nickname CZN Burak, and his father are being tried with a request for 5 years in prison over allegations that they carried out unauthorized construction in a location within an 'Urban Conservation Area.'

Defending himself in court, defendant Özdemir stated, "My father was handling the matter. He told me that renovations had begun and that he had obtained all the permits. I had no involvement in the renovation. I do not know whether my father obtained permission from the Cultural Heritage Preservation Board; he had told me he had obtained the necessary permits. I do not accept the accusations against me. I request my acquittal." During the hearing, Muhammed Burak Özdemir's lawyer stated that his client had no involvement regarding the property and requested his acquittal.

REQUESTED ACQUITTAL

The lawyer for defendant İsmail Özdemir requested his client's acquittal, stating that his client had obtained permission from the municipality, that they had not received any response from the Cultural Heritage Preservation Board following correspondence from the municipality, and that the board had made its decision after the renovation was completed.

Announcing its interim decision, the court adjourned the hearing to allow for the completion of missing items.

Making statements in front of the courtroom after the hearing, Özdemir said, "We gave our statement regarding the construction of our restaurant. The building next door, where people reside, complained that construction had taken place, but only repairs were made. We gave our statement and are leaving."

News Source: 12punto