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Mehmet Akif Ersoy trial begins in Istanbul
The first hearing of the trial involving former Habertürk TV Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Akif Ersoy has commenced at the Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court. Ersoy and six other defendants are accused of establishing and managing a criminal organization, committing 11 counts of qualified sexual assault, and engaging in drug trafficking or facilitating drug use.
In the indictment, which spans 96 pages, 11 women are identified as victims. The investigation was initiated following a report to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command on November 2, 2025. Allegations suggest that Ersoy organized events where drugs were provided and victims were coerced into sexual encounters through the use of substances and psychological games like 'truth or dare.'
During the proceedings, Ersoy admitted to using drugs 15 times over an eight-year period but denied allegations of drug trafficking, forcing others to use drugs, or operating within an organized structure. He also denied the sexual assault charges, stating that many of the allegations were based on past personal relationships.
The court ordered the continued detention of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Mustafa Manaz, while defendant Ufuk Tetik was released. The hearing was initially closed to the public and press, though this restriction was later lifted.
Entities
Habertürk TV · Istanbul 19th High Criminal Court · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Mehmet Akif Ersoy · Mustafa Manaz · Ufuk Tetik · Veyis Ateş
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 17 SOURCES] The court ordered the continued detention of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Mustafa Manaz. www.karsmanset.com · www.izgazete.net · anlatilaninotesi.com.tr · boldmedya.com · dokuz8haber.net · +12 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The investigation was triggered by a report made to the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command on November 2, 2025. www.mersinhaber.com · www.yenimesaj.com.tr · www.aydinlik.com.tr · www.f5haber.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The court ordered the release of defendant Ufuk Tetik. www.karsmanset.com · anlatilaninotesi.com.tr · www.gzt.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 14 SOURCES] Ersoy is charged with establishing and managing a criminal organization, 11 counts of qualified sexual assault, and drug trafficking or facilitating drug use. www.karsmanset.com · www.izgazete.net · anlatilaninotesi.com.tr · boldmedya.com · dokuz8haber.net · +9 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mehmet Akif Ersoy admitted to using drugs 15 times over an eight-year period. www.karsmanset.com · www.haberts.com · www.gzt.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] Mehmet Akif Ersoy faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 11 years and 3 months to 286 years and 2 months. www.karsmanset.com · www.izgazete.net · anlatilaninotesi.com.tr · boldmedya.com · dokuz8haber.net · +8 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The court initially ordered the hearing to be closed to the press and public, though this restriction was later lifted. www.izgazete.net · boldmedya.com · dokuz8haber.net · www.gazetepencere.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The indictment identifies 11 women as victims in the case. www.karsmanset.com · www.izgazete.net · boldmedya.com · www.mersinhaber.com · www.yenimesaj.com.tr · +4 more