Rezan Epözdemir was referred to the courthouse

Lawyer Rezan Epözdemir, who was detained as part of two separate investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, was referred to the courthouse. Epözdemir is being investigated for "bribery," "aiding FETÖ," and "espionage."

Lawyer Rezan Epözdemir, detained as part of two separate investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, was referred to the courthouse after completing security procedures. An investigation has been launched against Epözdemir on charges of "bribery," "aiding FETÖ/PDY," and "political-military espionage."

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that Epözdemir was detained on August 10. The lawyer was handed over to judicial authorities after a medical examination. A confidentiality order was issued as part of the investigation.

Witness AD, included in the investigation file, alleged that Epözdemir accepted bribes on three separate occasions. According to the witness's testimony, Epözdemir and C.Ç. received a total of $150,000 in bribes in exchange for a release.

Witness AD stated that an agreement was reached that $75,000 of this bribe would be paid before his release, with the remaining $75,000 paid after his release. Allegedly, the first $75,000 was delivered to Epözdemir by C.Ç. on July 7, 2021.

WhatsApp message records found in the investigation file contain evidence supporting the bribery allegations. These records confirm that $75,000 changed hands on July 7, 2021.

The prosecutor's office continues to review digital evidence. It has been determined that Epözdemir had no client relationship in the 2021 incident, but still played a role in the release proceedings.

The investigation into Epözdemir isn't limited to bribery charges. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is also investigating allegations that the lawyer "aided FETÖ/PDY" and engaged in "political-military espionage."

The evidence collected in two separate investigation files will be combined and evaluated.

Former AKP MP Şamil Tayyar suggested in a post that the interrogation of detained lawyer Rezan Epözdemir could lead to a major crisis.

In a message shared from his X account , Tayyar said, "The interrogation of Rezan Epözdemir is about to escalate into a serious crisis. The suspect persistently refuses to give his cell phone password. Because the password crisis hasn't been resolved, the interrogation period has been extended. Many prominent figures, including Mehmet Uçum, are involved, and they've put Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek under siege."

Asking, “Who was bothered by the possibility of the suspect’s cell phone being opened, especially Uçum, and why?” Tayyar also called on AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying, “Do not leave the Chief Public Prosecutor alone.”

Following Şamil Tayyar, Metin Külünk shared a similar post, stating that pressure was being put on Akın Gürlek, asking , "Why this panic, why this rush in some circles in Ankara? Whether it's in lines close to the government, or even at the center of the government, or in the opposition..."

Külünk wrote:

"Why this pressure for his release? And you're trying to put pressure on the attorney general, using your questionable power in the seats you hold...

We say it clearly: You are the ones who have caused the greatest harm to Mr. @tcbestepe @RTErdogan.

You are attempting to obstruct the investigation because you fear the danger of the collapse of the mechanisms you established by seizing control of the AK Party movement and declaring your fiefdom through the seats you seized. Stay where you are!

Making an open appeal to President Erdoğan, Külünk wrote, “Those who are trying to put pressure on Mr. Akın Gürlek through the ongoing investigation are the very ones trying to isolate you.”

Former AKP Central Executive Committee (MKYK) member Mücahit Birinci also made a similar statement to Tayyar and Külünk, saying, "The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office cannot be put under pressure. Everything that is happening is happening right before our eyes. It is impossible to allow this recklessness."

The first wrote:

“I clearly state that we will not hesitate to openly fight those who support the minority elites.

We, who have been involved in the movement since 1994 with our late father and family, did not set out to create an "elite, untouchable minority" in society. On the contrary, we dreamed of dismantling this "minority elitism." We did not support these types. Once again, I congratulate all our prosecutors and chief prosecutors, especially our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, for addressing these issues with determination and courage.

Our nation's prayers are enough for them. Continue..."

Chief Advisor to the President Mehmet Uçum, who is at the center of the allegations, responded to the allegations through his lawyer, Zeynep Yıldırım. This statement was also announced by Fuat Uğur, a journalist close to the government.

The statement, which stated that the allegations were unfounded, said, "All posts targeting my client's personal rights and attempting to influence a fair trial are unfounded. There is no interference by my client in any investigation process."

Tayyar responded to Uçum's lawyer's statement, saying, "My intention is not to engage in polemics with anyone. Those who know me know that I will not hesitate to do so if necessary. My message was clear; I wanted our President to know what was going on."

Tayyar, who said, “My message has reached its address,” explained:

My message reached its addressee, and I never worried about our President's insight. Meanwhile, if anyone files a lawsuit, we'll settle the score in court. My final sentence is to the clown who intervenes whenever there's a debate on this matter: 'Have you no honor? Is it worth barking here and there for a pittance?' For me, the matter is closed.