MHP calls for 'live trial' ahead of Aziz İhsan Aktaş case

The first hearing of the case involving Aziz İhsan Aktaş, whose controversial "confessions" led to the arrest of seven CHP mayors, will be held today. Allegedly, Aktaş, who is described as a "criminal organization leader," is not in custody and is not subject to any judicial control measures.

The CHP mayors, who remained in custody for months without an indictment, will also appear before a judge for the first time today.

The CHP had frequently argued that the allegations were "baseless" and had demanded that the trial be conducted "live."

A notable statement came from the MHP ahead of the hearing starting today. Feti Yıldız, one of the party's prominent figures, expressed his wish by saying "If only" and requested that today's hearing be broadcast live.

"If only the legislation allowed for hearings to be broadcast live on television.

Citizens would be better informed."

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli had also supported the CHP's call for a "live trial." However, no steps have been taken by the MHP side toward such a legal regulation.

On the other hand, Feti Yıldız listed the names of those being tried one by one in his post. Yıldız wrote exactly the following:

"Within the scope of the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization investigation,

including 6 who have been suspended from their duties,

the trial of 200 defendants, including 7 mayors, begins today.

I wish the legislation allowed for the hearings to be broadcast live on television.

Citizens would be better informed.

In the 579-page indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office,

Beşiktaş Municipality, Avcılar Municipality, Esenyurt Municipality, İstanbul ASFALT Factories Industry and Trade Inc., and the General Directorate of Istanbul Electric Tramway and Tunnel Operations are listed as "victims of the crime,"

19 people are listed as "victims",

while 200 people, 40 of whom are in custody, are listed as "suspects."

Suspect Aziz İhsan Aktaş faces charges of "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes," "rigging tenders" in 42 separate instances,

"rigging the performance of an obligation" in 4 separate instances,

"forgery of official documents" in 5 separate instances,

"forgery of private documents" in 21 separate instances, and "fraud to the detriment of public institutions and organizations,"

and is facing a prison sentence ranging from 187 to 450 years for "bribery" in 10 separate instances, "laundering assets derived from crime," and "issuing false invoices."

It is requested that suspect Utku Caner Çaykara, the Mayor of Avcılar who was suspended from his post following his arrest, be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison for "rigging tenders" and "accepting bribes" in 2 separate instances,

Esenyurt Mayor and suspect Ahmet Özer faces charges for two separate acts,

with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence ranging from 3 to 9 years.

Seyhan Mayor and suspect Oya Tekin,

Ceyhan Mayor and suspect Kadir Aydar,

Adana Metropolitan Mayor and suspect Zeydan Karalar,

and Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere, who was reinstated to his post, are facing demands for prison sentences of 4 to 12 years each for the crime of "accepting bribes."

Beşiktaş Mayor and suspect Rıza Akpolat is charged with "membership in a criminal organization" and "rigging bids" in 26 separate instances,

as well as "forgery of official documents" in 3 separate instances.

For 19 separate acts, he faces charges of "forgery in a private document" and "fraud to the detriment of public institutions and organizations,"

and for 4 separate acts, he faces charges of "bribery," "laundering assets derived from crime," and "unjust enrichment," with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence ranging from 133 to 337 years, as well as the confiscation of assets obtained through criminal activity."

News Source: 12punto