Akın Gürlek, Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor known for ordering probes and detentions against the opposition CHP, spoke on camera for the first time at the opening of the new judicial year. He said indictments related to the Istanbul Municipality would be ready in September and October.
In reply to complaints that the indictment has been delayed, he said six months was too short a time for the indictment, adding that the probe was still ongoing and growing as confessions come in.
He also confirmed the news that the Beşiktaş Municipality indictment would be ready in September and that the other indictments, including the Istanbul Municipality, would be completed in October.
Dubbing the probe “the largest corruption case in a century,” Gürlek assured the audience that “no one is in custody based solely on witness statements,” adding that every testimony was cross-checked with evidence.
“If there is someone detained only on a statement, tell me and I will release them the next day,” Gürlek said.
Gürlek denied that pressure is being exerted on those who offer testimony in return for reduced sentences. Gürlek cited the high volume of individuals who wished to participate in the inquiry as informants, adding that they had detained attorneys who he said were forcing informants to remain silent.
CHP REACTS
According to the CHP, Gürlek ignored the presumption of innocence and spoke like a judge rather than a prosecutor who should not speak in public.
CHP spokesperson Deniz Yücel criticized Gürlek for voicing confidence in the case files before the indictment was issued, the trial was held, or the defenses were heard.
Yücel said calling the case the corruption case of the century was disgraceful for democracy and the rule of law.
He said that these remarks were an acknowledgement of the judicial terror and coup that had taken place in Istanbul.
TWO PEOPLE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Two suspects on a motorcycle who arrived at Gürlek's residence and inquired about his home and whereabouts were taken into custody.
According to a report by Ekol TV reporter Dilek Yaman Demir, suspect T.Ç. stated in his testimony that he knew the house because his girlfriend lived near the chief prosecutor's residence and that he asked the police out of curiosity to chat with them.
The two suspects had no affiliation with any organized crime or armed terrorist organization, according to preliminary investigations.
However, police are investigating whether the suspects were involved in a possible assassination attempt against Gürlek.
