New development in CHP convention investigation: MASAK steps in

An important development has occurred in the investigation launched into allegations of irregularities regarding the 38th Ordinary Convention held by the CHP on November 4-5, 2023.

On the other hand, it was reported that former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş will testify on Tuesday, February 25, as part of the lawsuit filed for the cancellation of the convention.

According to TGRT Haber Ankara Representative Fatih Atik, the prosecutor's office conducting the investigation requested support from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), and MASAK has officially joined the inquiry.

Atik also stated that the possibility of an extraordinary convention within the party is being discussed.

"ASSETS AND BANK RECORDS ARE BEING EXAMINED ONE BY ONE"

MASAK has stepped in regarding the accounts of the individuals mentioned, their bank information, details of whether there were any transfers made to their accounts during that period, and currency exchange offices opened at midnight. The assets and bank records of all delegates and other bureaucrats mentioned in the investigation file are being examined one by one.

"THE INVESTIGATION COULD EVOLVE INTO ANOTHER POINT"

It is difficult to document bribery. But can MASAK reach such a conclusion? If there are such money transfers or unexplained records in the bank statements, MASAK will certainly reach them. If such detailed, concrete information is provided, the investigation could evolve into another point.

'KEMAL KILIÇDAROĞLU' DETAIL

All individuals mentioned in the testimony, including Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's chief of staff, Ms. Şükran, will also be questioned by the prosecutor's office. They will all be called to testify one by one. They will be faced with questions from the prosecutor such as, "Were you offered money, did you receive it, can you explain this money traffic in your account?" If MASAK finds evidence here, the investigation could go in a different direction. The prosecutor's office does not have the authority [to cancel the convention]. The decision regarding the cancellation and renewal of the convention is under the jurisdiction of the Criminal Court of First Instance; a decision could emerge from there.

"CHP MAY DECIDE TO HOLD AN EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION ITSELF"

The CHP views the situation as follows: They do not currently see such a danger. The CHP administration evaluates these allegations entirely as slander directed at the CHP. If an impression emerges that the court will make a decision for cancellation or the appointment of a trustee, the CHP may decide to hold an extraordinary convention itself. This outcome is being evaluated."