Tanju Özcan Completes Defense: Up to 263 Years in Prison Sought

Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan completed his defense submission in court in the corruption case against the municipality; as he left the courtroom, he said, "I will sit at home like a cat, not interfering with anything."

The indictment prepared by Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office seeks prison sentences ranging from 90 years 3 months to 263 years 6 months against Özcan on charges including six counts of "forced embezzlement," three counts of "attempted embezzlement," 34 counts of "qualified fraud," and one count of "bribery." Four of the 19 defendants are being tried in detention.

Bolu Deputy Mayor Süleyman Can faces sentences ranging from 27 years 6 months to 64 years on five embezzlement and two attempted embezzlement charges. Ali Sarıyıldız, a member of BOLSEV's Board of Directors, is being tried for complicity in embezzlement.

Operations related to the case were conducted on different dates following February 28. Deputy Mayor Leyla Beykoz, BOLSEV Board Member Aydan Özdemir, Financial Services Director Naim Ayhan, and Municipal Council Member Cihan Tutal, who were initially detained, were later released.

Bolu has been governed by a CHP mayor since the 2019 local elections; in recent years, Özcan has frequently made national headlines due to anti-immigrant rhetoric. Cumhuriyet newspaper reported the story.