Verdict reached in Serdar Ortaç case

The verdict was announced today at the second hearing of the case filed at the Istanbul 25th Criminal Court of First Instance against singer Serdar Ortaç, who was detained on November 11 as part of an investigation into the prevention of illegal betting in Istanbul, on charges of "encouraging illegal betting or games of chance," for which he faced up to 3 years in prison.

"NOT A CRIME THAT CAN BE COMMITTED INTENTIONALLY"

The lawyers for the parties were present at the hearing, which Serdar Ortaç did not attend.

Presenting his defense against the opinion on the merits, Serdar Ortaç's lawyer stated that the crime his client is accused of is not a crime that can be committed intentionally, and that his client had no intent to encourage or consent regarding the post in question, requesting his acquittal.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE VERDICT DEFERRED

Announcing its decision, the court sentenced Serdar Ortaç to 1 year in prison, then reduced the sentence to 10 months due to Ortaç's display of remorse throughout the trial.

The court further stated that Serdar Ortaç exhibited positive attitudes and behavior during the hearing and that it had formed the conviction that Ortaç would not commit a crime again, deciding to defer the announcement of the verdict.