07.07.2026 17:20
The 45th hearing in the case concerning the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization, in which 200 defendants including 7 mayors are being tried, has concluded. The court, after hearing the statements from the defense lawyers, adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.
The 45th hearing of the case involving 200 defendants, 7 of whom are detained, including 7 mayors (6 of whom have been suspended), related to the Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization, has concluded.
LAWYERS OF 6 DEFENDANTS MADE DEFENSE AGAINST THE OPINION
In the hearing held by the Istanbul 1st Heavy Penal Court in the hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penal Execution Institution, the defense lawyers were asked for their statements regarding the public prosecutor's opinion on the merits.
During the hearing, lawyers for a total of 6 defendants took the floor and made statements.
THEY DENIED ALLEGATIONS AND REQUESTED ACQUITTAL
The lawyer for the non-detained defendant Mehmet Şimşek requested that the case file be sent back to an expert for a new report, arguing that the statements of secret witnesses should not be relied upon.
The lawyer for defendant Metin Aktaş argued that his client participated in tenders through his own company in accordance with the rules and stated that the accusations were unacceptable.
Other defense lawyers who were given the floor also requested that their clients be acquitted.
HEARING ADJOURNED
The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow to continue taking statements from the defense lawyers.