Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe on trial for alleged bribery

Istanbul’s 10th and 27th Heavy Penal Courts are hearing a corruption case that includes Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Secretary Erdal Celal Aksoy, former CHP MP Baki Aydöner, businessman Aziz İhsan Aktaş and several others. The indictment alleges bribery, facilitation of illicit payments, money‑laundering and illicit enrichment. During the first hearing the defendants entered their pleas, with Aksoy noting a severe spinal infection that caused a partial paralysis of his arm and leg while he was in prison. On medical grounds the court later ordered Aksoy’s release. The accused have repeatedly denied receiving or giving any instructions or payments, and the trial has been adjourned for further examination of evidence. Additional hearings are scheduled as prosecutors seek lengthy prison terms for the alleged wrongdoing.