10.07.2026 13:50
In the trial of 19 defendants, including Bolu's suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, Özcan rejected the accusations, requested his release, and said, 'I see myself as innocent as a white spoon that has never touched milk.'
In Bolu, the trial of 19 defendants, including suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, continued on its fifth day. In his defense against the prosecutor's opinion requesting the continuation of his detention, Tanju Özcan denied the allegations. Requesting his release, Özcan said, "I see myself as a spoon that has come out of milk, perfectly clean. Even I didn't know I was this innocent."
In Bolu, the trial of 19 defendants, including suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan, on charges of "extortion by coercion," "attempted extortion," "bribery," "aggravated fraud," and "violation of Law No. 5072 on Foundations and Associations," continued on its fifth day. During the hearing, the defendants began making their defenses against the prosecutor's opinion. On the fourth day of the trial, the public prosecutor, who presented his opinion, had requested the continuation of detention for Özcan, as well as Deputy Mayor Süleyman Can, BOLSEV Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız, Bolu Market Gardeners and Greengrocers Chamber and Bolu Köroğlu Credit, Tradesmen and Guarantee Chamber President Mustafa Altındal, and Bolu Municipality Financial Services Director Naim Ayhan. Additionally, the prosecutor requested the release of detained defendant and CHP Municipal Council Member Cihan Tutal under judicial control.
"I SEE MYSELF AS A SPOON THAT HAS COME OUT OF MILK, PERFECTLY CLEAN"
In his defense in court, Tanju Özcan, who denied the allegations against him and argued that the evidence in the indictment was weak, said:
"In these hearings, the court panel, like the prosecutor's office, has seen that I do not lie. I see myself as a spoon that has come out of milk, perfectly clean. Even I didn't know I was this innocent; I have no crime. No one here has given a statement accusing me. Witnesses and complainants have confirmed me. For exoneration, the court's decision is very important, and exoneration by the public is also very important. I see that the trial has proceeded very well in terms of procedure so far. I have often seen the phrase 'not in the ordinary course of life.' Many of the weak evidence in this case has been refuted in court."
"THE MASAK REPORT IS NOT EVEN MENTIONED IN A SINGLE LINE IN THE INDICTMENT"
Criticizing the prosecutor's opinion and claiming that the statement of detained defendant Ali Sarıyıldız on April 13 was obtained through manipulation, Özcan said, "Yesterday's opinion did not align with the general course of the trial. The prosecutor could have requested a break for the opinion. At least, he could have made a separate evaluation for each defendant. I am detained on two charges; for which charge did the prosecutor request my detention? He stated that strong suspicion of a crime continues. But there is no suspicion of a crime, and the doubts have already been eliminated here. Which bank transaction is there for any defendant related to the municipality? There is also a MASAK report, but it is not even mentioned in a single line in the indictment. Ali and I have worked together very harmoniously in the past. Our only grievance against him is his statement on April 13. We believe there was manipulation saying, 'We will end your detention, but you make a statement like that.' I request the release of myself and my friends."
SARIYILDIZ REQUESTED HIS RELEASE
Taking the floor in the hearing, detained defendant and BOLSEV Board Member Ali Sarıyıldız argued that he had no criminal intent or benefit. Sarıyıldız said, "My only mistake was bringing the money on instruction and not taking documents. I was released three times before and was detained for a fourth time. I did not flee anywhere. I have a disabled child who needs my care. Therefore, I request my release."
The hearing continues with the defenses of other defendants against the prosecutor's opinion.