Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan on trial for abuse of power and bribery

Bolu’s suspended mayor, Tanju Özcan, is being tried with 18 other defendants in the Bolu 3rd Heavy Criminal Court. The indictment alleges “icbar suretiyle irtikap” (abuse of power), “irtikaba teşebbüs” (attempted abuse), bribery, qualified fraud and violations of the Foundations Law.

Prosecutors say the case involves several schemes: a charitable “kurban bağışı” campaign run through the BolSev foundation that collected about 845 000 TL but did not purchase any sacrificial animals; alleged pressure on contractors to sign a 7.5 million‑TL advertising contract with the municipality in exchange for early payment of dues; and a disputed “beton santrali” (concrete‑plant) pricing negotiation where Özcan is said to have offered to build a plant if the price was not accepted.

Defendants also include the deputy mayor, heads of local business associations and a BolSev board member. During hearings, victims and witnesses described the alleged forced donations and advertising pressure. Özcan repeatedly denied the accusations, stating, “İddianamenin en zayıf yönü burası. Ben bu suçlamadan karşınızda olmaktan utanıyorum,” and claimed that no money from the donations was spent.

The trial, now in its fourth day, continues with further testimonies and defenses from the accused.