The 38th day of the trial involving 414 defendants, including former Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, was marked by a significant reversal as businessperson Murat Kapki retracted his “effective repentance” statement. Kapki testified before the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court, claiming his previous admissions were the result of deception and a desperate hope for release.
Retraction of Confessions and Allegations of Pressure
Murat Kapki told the court that he is neither an informant nor “repentant,” asserting that he was deceived by prosecutors who suggested he would not spend a single day in prison if he cooperated. He described his current imprisonment as being based on “fabricated allegations” and noted the personal toll on his family, stating his 8.5-year-old son is receiving depression treatment and has gained 25 kilograms.
Kapki further alleged that he was pressured by a lawyer to pay 2.5 million dollars to former AKP MKYK member Mücahit Birinci in exchange for his release. According to Kapki, he was asked to sign documents containing claims about Ekrem İmamoğlu and Özgür Özel, which he refused to do, stating he could not commit slander.
Challenges to Evidence and Organization Links
During his defense, Kapki challenged the accuracy of MASAK reports, claiming that profitability ratios for his company were miscalculated. He argued that his company paid money to Kültür A.Ş. Rather than receiving it, contradicting reports that he acted as a “cashier” for Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Kapki also denied any secret organizational links, specifically contradicting claims of a close relationship with Murat Ongun. He stated that he and Ongun “do not like each other” and that he could not even secure an appointment with him, let alone hold secret meetings. He further dismissed claims of a boat trip with Ongun and Hüseyin Köksal as false.
Kapki claimed he transferred a villa and seven apartments to İsmail Kaan, a TÜRGEV manager, prior to the March 19 operation. He alleged that Osman Kaan paid prosecutors to ensure his son, İsmail Kaan, remained outside the scope of the investigation.
Additional Trial Developments
The session opened with the defense of Gökhan Köseoğlu, the Hakediş Şefi of Kültür A.Ş. Köseoğlu’s lawyer requested a full acquittal, arguing that his client did not obtain any personal benefit or increase in wealth and that it would be impossible for him to serve the alleged organization’s political goals.
The proceedings ended with a tense interaction between the court president and Ekrem İmamoğlu. After İmamoğlu stated, “my blood froze,” the judge responded, “this is not your rally area.”
The trial is scheduled to continue on May 18, where the court may further evaluate the validity of the retracted statements and the requests for release.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are currently detained in the İBB case?
Following the release of 15 individuals in the most recent review, the number of detained defendants has dropped to 77 out of 414 total defendants.
What were Murat Kapki’s specific claims regarding the MASAK report?
Kapki claimed the report was “distorted” and that the profitability ratios were calculated incorrectly, suggesting that the correct calculation would have shown a profitability of 0.30 instead of the figures cited in the report.
What is the basis of the main indictment against Ekrem İmamoğlu?
The indictment alleges that İmamoğlu established a “system” starting from his time as Beylikdüzü Mayor to seize control of the CHP and create a fund for his presidential candidacy, involving charges of establishing and managing a criminal organization, as well as bribery.
Do you believe the retraction of witness statements will fundamentally alter the trajectory of this trial?
