Ozersay Says Petition Filed Seeking Police Investigation Into Ozturkler

Ozersay said that as of this morning they filed a petition seeking an investigation into allegations raised on 26 January outside the Guzelyurt District Court, including “fake diplomas in exchange for citizenship,” abuse of office, and encouraging and instigating the preparation of forged documents for personal benefit.

Recalling that Ozturkler has publicly stated he would not hide behind parliamentary immunity, Ozersay said he believes that if requested by the police within the scope of an investigation launched in connection with this complaint, Ozturkler would voluntarily give a statement of his own free will.

Ozersay noted that during his own time as a member of parliament and as a minister, he had voluntarily given testimony in police investigations, stressing that being an MP and having immunity does not prevent giving a statement to the police or sharing information and documents. He underlined that police investigations can be facilitated even without the lifting of immunity.

Ozersay said that if, at a later stage, the Attorney General’s opinion is sought and there is an assessment that a criminal element exists, a request for the lifting of immunity would be sent to parliament. He recalled that Ozturkler has also publicly stated that he would ask for his immunity to be lifted should such a situation arise.

Ozersay added that, as in previous cases, they would transparently share with the public both the information obtained within the scope of the right to information and developments in the process.

Meanwhile, Serdal Gunduz, who testified as a witness in the trial of Fatma Unal in the “fake diploma” case, claimed that Parliament Speaker Ziya Ozturkler pressured and instructed him to prepare a diploma.