08.05.2026 17:33
The lawsuit alleging 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. Soytekin's statement about apartments being given through KİPTAŞ to influential individuals during the congress process had drawn attention.
The fifth hearing of the criminal case regarding the CHP convention was held today in Ankara. In its interim decision, the court panel ruled to hear Adem Soytekin, who is among the defendants in the corruption investigation against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, as a witness. The hearing was adjourned to July 1.
In his testimony in the Istanbul case, Soytekin stated regarding the apartments allegedly distributed through KİPTAŞ: "Many of the people given apartments are individuals with political weight and influence. These apartments were given to influential people during the convention process."
WHO IS ADEM SOYTEKİN?
Adem Soytekin was among the detained defendants in the case filed within the scope of corruption allegations against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
It was learned that Soytekin benefited from the provisions of active remorse. It was stated that Soytekin, who continues to be tried while in detention, made his defense at the hearing held last week and was subsequently released.
KILIÇDAROĞLU IS INVOLVED IN THE CASE AS A VICTIM
Twelve defendants, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özgür Çelik, Cemil Tugay, and Rıza Akpolat, are being tried in the case.
In the case filed following criminal complaints by former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates, former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is involved as a victim.
While the indictment alleges that the vote was rigged, it seeks prison sentences of up to 3 years for the 12 defendants.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST HEARING?
The previous hearing regarding the case was held on April 1.
After the statements, the court panel decided to take the testimony of defendant Özgen Nama at the next session and adjourned the hearing to May 6.
HOW DID THE CASE PROCESS BEGIN?
The history of the case dates back to the 38th Ordinary Convention of the CHP held on November 4-5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Convention held on April 6, 2025.
Former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates filed lawsuits in different courts, alleging that the 38th Ordinary Convention was tainted. It was claimed that delegates' votes were bought for bribes.
The filed cases were later consolidated in the 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.
ABSOLUTE NULLITY DEBATE
During the case process, debates on "absolute nullity" regarding the validity of the convention also came to the agenda. The plaintiffs argue that the vote was tainted by bribery and fraud, and that the delegate's will was impaired.
The plaintiffs, who argue that the convention should be deemed null and void, demand that former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu be reinstated.