Istanbul courts proceed with Ersoy and Erzan trials

Two high-profile legal proceedings are continuing in Istanbul.

In the case of former Habertürk editor-in-chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the second hearing was held regarding charges of leading a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. Ersoy faces a potential sentence of up to 286 years. During the hearing, two women identified as victims stated they were not actually victims of sexual assault or drug-related crimes and claimed they were unfairly implicated in the investigation, causing them significant personal and professional distress.

Separately, the fraud case involving Seçil Erzan, a former bank manager accused of defrauding numerous individuals—including famous athletes—via high-profit fund promises, has returned to trial. An appellate court previously overturned her 102-year prison sentence due to procedural errors, ordering a retrial. Erzan denied the allegations during her testimony, claiming she did not personally profit from the transactions, and requested her release. The court has ordered her continued detention and adjourned the case until November 6, 2026.