The crisis over the MASAK report that was said not to exist: Lawyers unable to access it

Following the arrest of Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan and Deputy Mayor Süleyman Can on February 28 on charges of 'extortion,' new allegations have emerged regarding the Bolu I Love Foundation (BOLSEV) investigation. While it was claimed that a MASAK report was in the investigation file, news reports based on this document have sparked controversy.

MASAK REPORT CONTROVERSY

After the alleged MASAK report prepared within the scope of the investigation was reported by some media outlets, lawyers initiated attempts to access the document. However, it was reported that the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office responded to the applications by stating, 'We do not have such a report.'

Özcan's lawyer, Uğur Poyraz, stated in his explanation that they requested the MASAK report from the prosecutor's office following the news reports, but were informed that the report was not in the file. Poyraz noted that they have made attempts through various channels as the Bolu Bar Association, BOLSEV, the Bolu Municipality, and the defense team to access the report.

Poyraz stated that they have submitted a petition for access to the file and are awaiting the outcome of the process, adding, 'As lawyers, we have pursued the MASAK report from all sides.'

'THE PUBLISHED REPORT CREATES A PROBLEM FOR THE RIGHT TO DEFENSE'

Stating that they reached a MASAK report through journalists, Poyraz indicated that the document in question contains the allegations that appeared in the press. In his assessment of the report's content, Poyraz argued that no criminal element was presented.

Poyraz further stated that if the authenticity of the report is not clarified, the debate over the violation of the right to defense will come to the fore, adding, 'If this report is true, the Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan should not be in prison. He should be released immediately.'

ALLEGATION THAT 'INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ARE LEAKED TO THE PRESS'

Drawing attention to the fact that a document which the prosecutor's office claims is 'not in the file' has appeared in some media outlets, Poyraz criticized the investigation process. Poyraz alleged that some information and documents were leaked to specific media organizations, claiming that this was intended to shape public opinion.

Referring to past judicial processes, Poyraz argued that the right to defense has been damaged and stated that the process has turned into a structure that influences the trial.

Touching upon the allegations regarding the purchase of cat and dog food that came up within the scope of the investigation, Poyraz said that it was possible to purchase food with a portion of the donations made through the foundation. He also stated that the trade registry of BOLSEV Education and Aid Trade Inc. clearly indicates that it can engage in the buying and selling of food.

News Source: 12punto