Defendant Accused of Aiding Adil Öksüz’s Escape Faces Judge
The trial of Cihat Yıldız, who is accused of assisting fugitive Adil Öksüz, a high-ranking civilian officer of the so-called Turkish Armed Forces structure of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), has commenced. Yıldız, who was arrested for allegedly aiding Öksüz in escaping abroad, appeared in court via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS).
During the hearing, Yıldız claimed that he was unable to provide power of attorney or a defense as he did not have an ID card or a lawyer. A witness, identified as HD, testified that Yıldız reacted negatively when informed about the torture inflicted by FETO members. The witness further stated that a prosecutor present scolded him during the incident.
Yıldız refuted the witness’s claims, citing an arrest warrant against him at the time of the alleged encounter. The Public Prosecutor requested corrections to be made regarding the missing details of the case.
The court adjourned the hearing and ordered Yıldız to present his defense during the next session. The indictment outlined Yıldız’s alleged involvement in aiding Öksüz, highlighting an increase in his Bank Asya account following the failed coup attempt of 17-25 December.
Yıldız denied any connections to FETO/PDY, stating that he only knew Öksüz from attending a lecture in 2010-2011. The indictment also included a statement from a secret witness, who claimed Yıldız transported Öksüz’s personal belongings before his escape.
The prosecution has requested a sentence of 17 to 28 years and 6 months for Yıldız on charges of ‘establishing and leading an armed terrorist organization’ and ‘using someone else’s identity or identity information’. The trial is ongoing, with further developments expected in subsequent court hearings.
