Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ has been released after 148 days of detention. The court sentenced Özdağ to 2 years, 4 months, and 3 days in prison on charges of "inciting the public to hatred and hostility." However, taking into account the time Özdağ has spent in prison to date, the sentence resulted in a decision for his release.
Özdağ had been held at Silivri Prison for approximately 5 months. A significant development occurred today in Özdağ's trial process, and the court decided in favor of his release.
VICTORY PARTY: "THIS CASE WILL BE OVERTURNED"
Victory Party Spokesperson Azmi Karamahmutoğlu appeared before the cameras in Silivri following Özdağ's release. Karamahmutoğlu emphasized that they would take the process to higher courts:
"We will take this decision to the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, to the Court of Cassation. We wholeheartedly believe that our Chairman will be acquitted. Today, even talking about a political ban is meaningless. This was not a legal process; it was a political process."
HIS FIRST VISIT HAS BEEN DETERMINED
Ümit Özdağ's first stop after his release has also been determined; he will visit the symbolic 'otağ' (tent) established by Victory Party members. According to Karamahmutoğlu's statement, Özdağ will then perform a short prayer of gratitude in Silivri and will depart for Ankara in the evening hours.
News Source: 12punto
