10.04.2025 09:41
It has been revealed that journalists Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel were taken into custody during a dawn operation, following a complaint by Erkan Kork, the owner of Flash TV, who is still detained on suspicion of money laundering. According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Kork experienced victimization regarding the purchase of Flash TV, and Ağırel and Soykan threatened and blackmailed him.
Journalists Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel were detained in a dawn operation at their homes in the morning hours, and during the search, the journalists' digital equipment was confiscated.
DETENTION FOR "THREAT" AND "BLACKMAIL" OFFENSES
It has been learned that a detention order was issued for the journalists regarding "threat" and "blackmail" offenses within the scope of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
“DETAINING MEASURE HAS BEEN DEEMED NECESSARY”
The decision stated, "Considering the amount of punishment required by the alleged crime, the possibility of the suspects fleeing and destroying, altering, or concealing evidence, and the presence of sufficient evidence and indications against them, the measure of detention has been deemed necessary."
PROCESS INITIATED WITH ERKAN KORK'S COMPLAINT
The statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is as follows; "In the investigation conducted regarding the crimes of laundering assets, it has been reported that the individuals involved as suspects have filed a complaint stating that Murat Ağırel and Timur Soykan threatened and blackmailed them regarding the transfer and purchase of the television channel named Flaş Haber TV. A criminal investigation has been initiated against the actions attributed to the relevant individuals under Articles 106/1 (Threat) and 107/1 (Blackmail) of the Turkish Penal Code, and the investigation continues with detention, search, and seizure procedures against the suspects."
THEY WERE TAKEN FOR A HEALTH CHECK
Timur Soykan, who was detained, was taken to Bayrampaşa State Hospital for a health check before being taken to the police station. After leaving the hospital, Soykan was heard saying, "The gangs will lose, the people will win. This will all end."
STATEMENT FROM AĞIREL'S LAWYER
Ağırel's lawyer Enes H. Ermaner stated that the prosecutor's office applied the detention procedure despite knowing that their clients would come to give a statement. Lawyer Ermaner said, "Applying detention procedures against individuals who have made an appointment for a statement and are known to come voluntarily constitutes a violation of the law and clearly indicates that the application of Enemy Criminal Law is being implemented."