Verdict Pending in Football Match-Fixing Conspiracy Case – Last Minute Turkey News
The trial of 88 defendants linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in connection with a football match-fixing investigation is ongoing after the verdict was overturned due to procedural issues. The hearing took place at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court, where defendant Necati Keskin, who is not in custody, and the lawyers representing the parties were in attendance. Fenerbahçe Club and Aziz Yıldırım’s lawyer, who are intervening in the case, were also present, along with some defendants connected via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS).
During the hearing, defendant İlhan İşbilen, who had been acquitted in the past, requested a similar outcome this time. Another defendant, Seyfi Erdoğan, denied any involvement with the organization behind the match-fixing scheme, expressing confidence in his innocence. Following their statements, the court panel decided to refer the case back to the public prosecutor for further review and adjourned the hearing.
The indictment in this case, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, calls for hefty prison sentences for key figures allegedly linked to FETO. These include Fethullah Gülen, Ekrem Dumanlı, Hidayet Karaca, İlhan İşbilen, Muammer İhsan Kalkavan, and several others. Various charges, such as violating privacy of communication, forgery of official documents, and membership in an armed terrorist organization, were brought against the defendants.
In a separate file involving 5 defendants, the court handed down sentences to two individuals for aiding FETO, while rejecting the case against three others on the same charge due to its repetitive nature. However, the decision made in 2021 regarding the remaining defendants was reversed by the Appeal Court on procedural grounds, citing deficiencies in the file.
The ongoing trial has seen a number of defendants, including high-profile individuals, receive significant prison sentences for a variety of charges. The Appeal Court’s decision to overturn the initial verdict highlights the complexities of the case and the need for thorough review to ensure justice is served. The legal proceedings will continue as the court addresses the procedural issues raised during the appeal review.
