PM Undersecretary Brought Back to Court, Remanded for Seven More Days

Cahitoğlu is being investigated on charges including receiving a bribe, offering a bribe, demanding a bribe, misconduct in public office, abuse of authority, unlawful possession of explosives, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

During the hearing before Judge Şevket Gazi, Prosecutor Ali Hidayet represented the Attorney General’s Office, while three defence lawyers were present on behalf of Cahitoğlu.

Police: Nine People Questioned, Six Statements Taken

Ertem Hoca, Assistant Inspector at the Financial Crimes Unit, told the court that Cahitoğlu had been brought before the court yesterday, at which time a one-day remand order was issued. He said investigators had taken a statement from an individual who alleged that the suspect demanded a £200,000 bribe in relation to a public-sector procedure.

Hoca reported that over the past 24 hours, nine people were questioned and six statements were obtained. He added that Cahitoğlu’s voluntary statements would be corroborated, data analysis of his mobile phone had begun, and that numerous further statements and evidence still needed to be collected.

He also noted that the suspect was taken to Police Headquarters to provide a voice sample, after which he was examined at Dr Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital.

“Medical Examination Found Inflammation and Kidney Stone”

Hoca told the court that doctors diagnosed the suspect with inflammation and a kidney stone, leading to his admission to the Urology Department. The doctor, however, confirmed there was no medical obstacle preventing Cahitoğlu from attending the hearing, and the suspect will be re-admitted to hospital following the court session.

Prosecutor Hidayet emphasised that the offences under investigation fall within the jurisdiction of the Assize Court and therefore constitute a serious matter. Cahitoğlu’s lawyer, Süleyman Dolmacı, did not oppose the extension of custody.

Judge Şevket Gazi ordered that the suspect remain in police custody for seven more days.

Cahitoğlu was detained two days ago at Ercan Airport, where he was preparing to fly to the UK, and was taken in for questioning by Financial Police.