Zorlu Holding CEO Cem Köksal Faces Imminent Penalty
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has prepared an indictment in which Ergün Güler, a top manager at Vestel, a subsidiary of Zorlu Holding, is included as a “victim”. According to the indictment, Güler, along with other employees and executives of Vestel and Zorlu Holding, received Ramadan greetings through corporate emails. However, when Köksal, a top manager at Zorlu Holding, responded to one of these emails, it sparked a controversy which led to an investigation.
Güler, who has been with Vestel for 26 years and served as a top manager for a year and a half, stated that there were no prior warnings regarding the messages he sent on official and religious holidays. On the occasion of Ramadan, Güler sent an email to all employees and managers, which was mistakenly interpreted by Köksal. This misunderstanding prompted an investigation against Köksal, although Güler did not file any complaints against him.
The indictment alleges that Köksal’s statements aimed to pressure employees and interfere with their beliefs and opinions. It also mentions that Köksal’s actions were seen as an attempt to influence the will of the victims and employees. As a result, Köksal is facing charges of “preventing the use of freedom of belief, thought, and opinion”.
Köksal, who was detained during the investigation, has been released with a travel ban. Zorlu Holding’s Board of Directors has confirmed that Köksal has resigned from his position as the CEO of the holding following the incident. The Criminal Court of First Instance has accepted the indictment against Köksal, with a possible sentence ranging from 1 year to 3 months.
