Interim ruling regarding the Polat couple in the money laundering case.

Dilan and Engin Polat, along with 4 other detained suspects, faced charges of 'Establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime', 'Money laundering of assets derived from crime', and 'Violation of the law on the regulation of betting and gambling in football and other sports competitions', with sentences requested ranging from 20 to 40 years in prison.

In its interim decision, the court ordered the release of detained suspects Engin Polat, Sezgin Polat, Alper Kürşat Polat, and Ahmet Gün. The second hearing of the case, seen at the Anadolu 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, was attended by Dilan Polat, Engin Polat, Sezgin Polat, Kürşat Polat, Sıla Doğu, and Can Doğu. Some of the suspects who were not detained and the lawyers of the parties were present in the courtroom.

DILAN POLAT: I DON'T KNOW ANY OF THEM

Engin Polat, who was given the floor in court, stated that he did not know any of the witnesses. Engin Polat said, "We have no connection whatsoever with what they are saying. We have 133 branches, we have lost 30-40 of our branches and we continue to lose them. We want our companies to come back to us," he said. Dilan Polat also stated against the witness statements, "I don't know any of them. I had surgery on those dates and was hospitalized. I swear on my honor, my integrity, and my children that we have never met face to face, and I do not know them. I have branches, and many people earn a living. We request the lifting of the measures," she said.

"MY CLIENTS SHOULD REGAIN THEIR ASSETS"

Sevinç Horoz, the lawyer of Engin and Dilan Polat, spoke against the witness statements, saying, "The witnesses are clearly giving false statements. They are trying to mislead the court; they are all convicted. When we asked the last witness about the date of March 16, he specifically said, 'We were together' in Ortaköy, but my client was hospitalized and had surgery on those dates. During the process, as my client stated, companies began to be shut down, and people were victimized. Measures were placed on the assets of deceased individuals and the assets belonging to children. Considering the statements of the witnesses, we came here with the statements of 3 convicted witnesses. Even notaries are not processing; we cannot obtain any power of attorney. We applied to the Notary Union. An disproportionate measure process occurred. My clients should regain their assets. The MASAK report also stated that there was no activity under the organized crime framework, and no funds of unknown origin were found," she said. The prosecutor requested that the requests for the lifting of measures and confiscation decisions be rejected.

"WHATEVER WE SAY IS IN VAIN"

On the other hand, Dilan and Engin Polat, along with their sister Sıla Doğu, arrived hand in hand at the Anadolu Courthouse in Kartal, where the hearing was ongoing. Dilan Polat and Sıla Doğu's choice of white clothing and their refusal to remove their glasses drew attention. The hearing was adjourned at 1:25 PM. Speaking to reporters during the break, Engin Polat said, "It's too early to say anything right now. The trial is ongoing. Whatever we say is in vain," he said. The hearing was adjourned for 1 hour.

INTERIM DECISION ANNOUNCED

After the one-hour break, the court announced its interim decision. The court decided to separately reject the request for the lifting of measures and to listen to the secret witness. The court postponed the hearing to April 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. When asked about the court's interim decision, the non-detained suspect Engin Polat said after the hearing, "There is nothing to say. Our respect is infinite," he said. Non-detained suspect Sıla Doğu said, "One day, justice will prevail."