12.02.2025 14:10
Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu gave statements as suspects in the 'false testimony' investigation. During the statement process, Ergenç and Kocaoğlu were asked about their photos from Gezi Park and their relationship with Mehmet Ali Alabora. Ergenç explained the reason for going to Gezi Park by saying, "My reason for going to Gezi Park was for environmentalism and to prevent the cutting down of trees. When some groups started to come, we felt uncomfortable and did not go again."
Famous actors Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu gave statements again as suspects in the "false testimony" investigation. Ergenç and Kocaoğlu answered questions about the frequently shared 'Gezi Park' photo on social media and their relationship with Mehmet Ali Alabora.
Ayşe Barım, who was investigated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office due to allegations in the written and visual media regarding her participation in the Gezi Park-focused events, was arrested for the crime of "aiding and abetting an attempt to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Turkey or to prevent it from performing its duties."
FALSE TESTIMONY INVESTIGATION
Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu had given statements as "witnesses" regarding manager Ayşe Barım, who is alleged to be the planner of the Gezi Park protests, but an investigation was launched against them for the crime of "false testimony" on the grounds that they had given false statements.
Ergenç and Kocaoğlu gave statements once again and answered questions about the Gezi Park photos and their closeness to Mehmet Ali Alabora.
According to Habertürk reporter Ceylan Sever; Halit Ergenç stated the following in his testimony:
"WE DID NOT HAVE A FRIENDSHIP WITH MEHMET ALİ ALABORA"
"I started my education in the Opera Department of Mimar Sinan University in 1989. I know Mehmet Ali Alabora because he studied at the opposite conservatory. I do not know the dates he was there. I have never had a close friendship, so to speak, with Mehmet Ali Alabora during or after conservatory. I wanted to mention how I knew him up to this point.
"WE DID NOT HAVE A PLANNED MEETING"
I know that Mehmet Ali Alabora is the President of the Actors' Union. Many artists are members here. The union was established to protect the rights of artists, such as regulations and statutes. I know that I went to the union once or twice, although I do not remember the exact dates. At that time, Mehmet Ali Alabora was the President of the Actors' Union. We would also encounter each other at a gala or meeting related to work. However, we did not have a planned meeting. I lived in England during the 2021 and 2024 periods. Even there, I did not have any meetings with him at any time. In short, I have not seen Mehmet Ali Alabora at all since the Gezi Park events, and I have had no contact with him in any way, not even by phone. I used a different phone number during the Gezi Park period. When looking at the contents of that number, it is possible that I may have had contact with him. The reason for that is solely because he was the union president. We have never had a detailed conversation as a family.
"I DO NOT KNOW THE PEOPLE NEXT TO ME"
The reason I am in the same photo as Mehmet Ali Alabora is that, as far as I remember, when we were in the park in Cihangir that day, we started walking towards Gezi Park with all the actors affiliated with the Actors' Union when we received the information that Gezi Park was opened to the public. Many people who are not actors are also in the photo. As seen in the photo, there is a large crowd in front of us. I do not know the two people next to me in the photo, one of whom is a woman and the other a man. Mehmet Ali Alabora would be there because he is the President of the Actors' Union. That is why such a photo has emerged. As far as I remember, I was photographed by someone I do not remember from the back to the front in that photo.
"I CONSENT TO THE EXAMINATION OF PHONE CALLS"
I do not remember receiving any notification from the Artists' Union at that time. I have never had any information that Mehmet Ali Alabora was a key actor in Gezi Park during that time. I know him as the President of the Artists and Actors' Union. I consent to the examination of phone calls from that time and now. The phone calls that may have occurred during that time were likely only due to him being the union president and for work purposes.
"WE NEVER WENT TO GEZI PARK AGAIN"
The reason I went to Gezi Park was entirely for environmentalism and to prevent the cutting down of trees. We were disturbed when some groups, whose purpose was not environmentalism but were unclear, started to come, and due to the worsening situation, in order to reach a consensus, we left the set and met with Kadir Topbaş, the then Governor Avni Mutlu, and the then Prime Minister, and we never went to Gezi Park again. That is all I have to say. I do not accept the accusations against me.
RIZA KOCAOĞLU: I DID NOT MEET MEHMET ALİ ALABORA
Rıza Kocaoğlu also stated the following in his testimony:
"I do not have Mehmet Ali Alabora's number, and I do not remember having any contact with him. The person in the crowd in this photo is me; I am behind Halit Ergenç. I remember Mehmet Ali Alabora as the president of the Actors' Union at that time. I am also a member of this union. I joined the union because we have copyright issues, etc., but I have had no meetings with Mehmet Ali Alabora within the scope of the union. I was living very close to Gezi Park on Cihangir Street.
"I WENT TO MY FRIENDS"
When I went to Gezi Park at that time, I saw my artist friends. I went to them, and we were all together there. The reason I am in the photo you showed with Mehmet Ali Alabora, Halit Ergenç, and many other actors is due to being with my artist friends. My presence there has nothing to do with Mehmet Ali Alabora. As far as I remember, the photo you showed was taken while we were heading to the park after receiving the information that Gezi Park was opened to the public by the state. I did not receive any notification from the Actors' Union at that time."