Istanbul municipal trial hears claims that key confession was made under pressure
A witness in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality trial claimed a key confessing defendant acted under pressure when providing statements to prosecutors.
On the 106th day of the trial involving Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality officials and elected Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, witness testimony questioned the validity of key state confessions.
During proceedings at the Istanbul 33rd High Criminal Court in Silivri, witness Ali Kaan Yurt testified regarding statements made by defendant Recep Taşçı, who had utilized effective repentance provisions. Yurt told the court that Taşçı admitted to acting under severe duress when providing statements, allegedly saying, "I am under pressure, I have two children. I had to give a statement."
The trial involves 436 defendants, 46 of whom remain in pre-trial detention. Defense attorneys highlighted allegations of coercion surrounding witness statements as hearings continued.
Sources: Cumhuriyet