The 107th hearing of the "İmamoğlu criminal organization for profit" case has ended

At the hearing held in the hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penitentiary Institution from the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court, the detained defendants were given the floor to testify regarding their release.

The detained defendant, former CHP Deputy Aykut Erdoğdu, stated that he did not request release from the court and said, "I want your delegation to punish me. I want you to punish me for a crime that I did not commit, a crime for which there is no evidence. It is a very sad situation. It is a very heartbreaking situation. And when giving this sentence, do not involve the innocent people here behind the scenes. Ekrem İmamoğlu is very innocent in this incident, Fatih Keleş is very innocent, write to me about anything." he declared.

Referring to the accusations against him in the indictment, defendant Erdoğdu said, "Punish me. I have never passed by corruption in my life, I have never drank its tea. My forehead is clear, my face is white." he said.

Another detained defendant, businessman Bulut Aydöner, denied the accusations in the indictment and said:

"My brother Baki Aydöner, who was detained for another case, was released about a month ago. Since the first day he was freed, he has been trying to follow the processes by regularly attending other courts and this court as he is now. We are not people who will escape. When I am released, I will continue to pursue my acquittal here. I will prepare my defense on the merits under the conditions of the hearing and resolve my health problems. In short, I have no doubt about escaping. My brother is the closest example of this. I request my release from you."

Former Kültür AŞ General Manager Serdal Taşkın, one of the detained defendants, spoke about the tenders included in the indictment, referring to the expert reports.

Defendant Taşkın stated that he had been detained for 20 months and argued that the work done at Kültür AŞ was not collusive work and that the work done was done under contract.

Claiming that those who testified about him were liars, Taşkın said, "Progress payments were paid regularly throughout my tenure. The accusation that I rigged the tender is against the normal flow of life. I believe that I did my job properly. I demand my release from the court and then my acquittal." he declared.

Some defendant lawyers also spoke on behalf of their clients and requested release.

The hearing was postponed until tomorrow.