İsmet Sayhan released in military espionage trial

In a trial involving allegations of military espionage against the ASSAN Group, the Istanbul 28th High Criminal Court has ordered the release of İsmet Sayhan, the former Chairman of the Board of Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi (MKE).

Sayhan and four other defendants are facing charges including the unauthorized use, fraudulent acquisition, and theft of documents related to state security. Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences ranging from 10 to 36 years. During the hearing, which Sayhan attended via video link (SEGBİS), he maintained his innocence, arguing that the allegations against him do not constitute a crime under the relevant articles of the Turkish Penal Code.

Other defendants, including Mesut Ateş, Emin Öner, and Gürcan Okumuş, also addressed the court. They requested the removal of various judicial control measures, such as house arrest, travel bans, and restrictions on personal assets or company trusteeship, citing health issues and professional hardships. The court has postponed the trial to a later date.