06.05.2026 17:49
The criminal case filed on allegations of irregularities at the 38th Ordinary Congress of the CHP has been postponed to July 1. It was decided to hear Adem Soytekin, a defendant in the IMM corruption case, as a witness.
The trial of 12 defendants, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was suspended from duty due to a corruption investigation on allegations of irregularities at CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, continued.
At the hearing at Ankara 26th Criminal Court of First Instance, lawyers of the parties were present in the courtroom, while defendant Baki Aydöner attended via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS). After the judge reviewed the incoming documents, he gave the floor to the lawyers of the parties.
"THIS CASE IS THE TRIAL OF DEMOCRATIC WILL"
Taking the floor, Lütfü Savaş's lawyer Onur Yusuf Üregen reminded that at the previous session, the court had decided to hear defendant Özgen Nama's statement at the next session, but the defendant did not attend the hearing. Üregen stated that the case is not about a simple irregularity at the congress, saying, "This case is the trial of a crime directed against public order by purchasing democratic will with money."
"THE CONGRESS WILL WAS DAMAGED"
Claiming that during the Republican People's Party 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, some delegates were systematically provided material benefits and their voting will was directed, Üregen argued that the witness statements and other evidence in the file clearly reveal the elements of the crime beyond any doubt, and that the congress will was cumulatively damaged.
Üregen said his client Lütfü Savaş acted in line with the rule of law and political ethics without pursuing personal gain, yet was targeted, threatened, and attempted to be discredited in the process, but maintained his faith in the judiciary despite all pressures.
Claiming that his client Savaş acted with a reflex to preserve CHP's democratic tradition in this process, Üregen continued:
"The integrity of the evidence in the file necessitates the punishment of the defendants. Because here, there is a usurpation of political will and contamination of democratic representation. In this respect, the case has a public, not individual, character. Consequently, we request and demand from your court, with our faith in Turkish judiciary and justice, that the defendants be punished."
"ÖZGEN NAMA COULD NOT ATTEND DUE TO ILLNESS"
Taking the floor, defendant Özgen Nama's lawyer Onur Cingil stated that his client had a serious health issue and therefore could not attend the hearing, but would be present at the next session.
After the lawyers' statements, defendant Baki Aydöner, who was given the floor, stated that he had previously given his statement in detail, that there were contradictions in witness statements, and that he would make another defense because his name was mentioned, saying, "I am here because of the statement given by Tolgahan Erdoğan. I do not accept anything he said. Witness Veysi Uyanık's statement is also full of contradictory expressions. His statements continue on social media now. He already explained that there was a feud. I am ashamed to be here. I request my acquittal."
Baki Aydöner's lawyer Aysun Okur also argued that Veysi Uyanık, after becoming a witness, gave interviews and acted to influence the judicial process, did not bear the responsibility of his witness status, and maintained the feud, stating that the witness statement should not be taken into account. Okur requested the court to acquit her client.
WITNESS: I DID NOT SEE MONEY EXCHANGE
Witness E.A., who was heard, stated, "I was a delegate to the congress; nothing material or moral was implicated at the congress. When Yusuf Gögerkaya realized he would be dismissed, he sent me threatening messages. I did not see any money exchange; I did not encounter such a situation."
ADEM SOYTEKIN WILL BE HEARD
The public prosecutor, whose opinion was sought, requested that a letter be written to take Özgen Nama's defense, that an instruction be issued to take the statement of Adem Soytekin, a defendant in the case heard at Istanbul 40th Heavy Penal Court, as a witness, and that other identified issues be resolved.
Taking the floor, Ekrem İmamoğlu's representative Çağlar Çağlayan requested the court to demand from CHP the expulsion decisions of Kemal Çiftçi and Kemal Öymez, and to hear Ali Abbas Ertürk, mentioned in Veysi Uyanık's statements, as a witness.
Çağlayan also stated that Adem Soytekin's statements are unrelated to this case and objected to Soytekin being heard as a witness at this stage.
CASE POSTPONED TO JULY 1
Announcing its interim decision, the court ruled to take Özgen Nama's defense and to issue an instruction for taking Adem Soytekin's statement as a witness, postponing the hearing to July 1.
BACKGROUND OF THE CASE
The background of the case dates back to the 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Congress held on April 6, 2025.
Former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates had alleged that the 38th Ordinary Congress was tainted; separate lawsuits were filed in different courts claiming that delegates' votes were bought with bribes. These cases were consolidated at the 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.
ABSOLUTE NULLITY DEBATE
The plaintiffs demand that the congress be declared invalid under "absolute nullity" and that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu be reinstated. In this scenario, the possibility of CHP leadership being removed and the party holding a new congress is being discussed.
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, in his speech yesterday regarding this possibility, said, "I say to those who appear in the biased press, who discuss their party for a fee every evening, who pin their hopes on nullity and such. Hey, I say to all of you. If you want to reach the truth, make it your profession to win hearts. Let roses bloom in your bosom, be soil instead of becoming marble for palaces."
BAHÇELI ALSO COMMENTED
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also joined the 'absolute nullity' debate yesterday by answering questions after his party's group meeting.
Bahçeli stated, "We hope that CHP's internal turmoil, fragmentation, legal damage, or its use for other purposes will not be allowed."