Breaking News... Journalists summoned to testify over ‘extra’ report

A new development has occurred in the investigation launched following reports that paid extras were brought to a CHP badge-pinning event through casting agencies. BirGün reporter Ebru Çelik and BirGün Web Coordinators Uğur Koç and Berkant Gültekin have been summoned by the prosecutor's office to provide statements.

In Ebru Çelik's report, it was claimed that hundreds of people from various casting agencies were brought to the CHP membership ceremony for a fee of 950 liras. While the report sparked public debate, a statement from one of the agencies said to have participated in the event also made headlines.

Ömer İne, the owner of Merss Prodüksiyon, confirmed that he provided extras for the organization; however, he argued that no payment was received from the CHP Headquarters or the CHP Provincial Presidency. İne stated that the support was provided on the basis of “friendship and volunteerism.”

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had launched an investigation upon the complaint of Gürsel Tekin, who was appointed as a trustee to the CHP İstanbul Provincial Presidency. In its statement, the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office reported that a complaint petition had been submitted regarding allegations that people who were not actual members were brought to the CHP event in Sarıyer via a casting agency, as well as reports published in this direction.

As part of the investigation, Ebru Çelik, Uğur Koç, and Berkant Gültekin are expected to testify at the Press Crimes Prosecutor's Office tomorrow. It was reported that the BirGün newspaper is also preparing to take legal action regarding the allegations and statements made following the report.

News Source: 12punto