MINISTER GÜRLEK: ÖZGÜR ÖZEL’S AIM IS TO OBSCURE THE CASE ON THE CORRUPTION OF CENTURY
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, responding to the allegations made by the Chairperson of CHP (Republican People’s Party) Özgür Özel regarding his assets, stated that he would initiate legal proceedings against him. He emphasized as follows: “Özgür Özel’s primary aim is to obscure the Corruption Case of the Century. His secondary aim is to cover up certain allegations in the case against Muhittin Böcek.”
Minister Akın Gürlek answered the questions of journalists concerning the asset-related allegations raised by Özgür Özel, the Chairperson of CHP. He remarked that those documents were absolutely fabricated and falsified, and moreover, the so‑called ‘ID’ numbers cited as evidence did not contain the name Akın Gürlek. Highlighting that the Chairperson Özel’s intention is to divert attention from the “Corruption Case of the Century”, Minister Gürlek continued his remarks as follows:
“Özgür Özel’s primary aim here is to obscure the Corruption Case of the Century. As you know, his secondary aim relates to the case against Muhittin Böcek, in which a trial is ongoing. On 15 January 2024, Muhittin Böcek stopped at a petrol station in Manisa. Why did he stop there? At that time, there was the issue of Böcek potentially becoming an informant. There is also an allegation that he provided money to Özgür Özel in relation to his candidacy. This allegation has been supported by base station data. In my view, Özgür Özel seeks to obscure two matters: first, the Corruption Case of the Century, and second, the allegation that on 15 January 2024, Muhittin Böcek went to a petrol station in Manisa to provide money concerning his candidacy.”
Minister Gürlek explained that he owns four immovable properties registered in his name, the value of which is known. He stated as follows: “I have nothing to hide. Today we will file a lawsuit for non‑pecuniary damages. The so‑called sample documents presented, such as title deeds, are entirely false and fabricated. Their falsity will immediately be revealed, since the court will determine whether the deeds are genuine or not.”
HE HAS NEVER BEEN TO LUXEMBOURG
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in response to the allegations concerning a yacht, stated that he has never been to Luxembourg, does not even know how to swim, and that passport records show no entry or exit in this regard.
Emphasizing that such allegations are unfounded, Minister Gürlek noted that if those making these claims fail to substantiate them, they should be considered defamatory.