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Istanbul Deputy Speaker Gencay Özcan Detained Over Alleged Coup Attempt Remarks
🇹🇷 Turkey /Crime & Justice

Istanbul Deputy Speaker Gencay Özcan Detained Over Alleged Coup Attempt Remarks

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Council's Second Deputy Speaker Gencay Özcan was detained as part of an investigation into alleged remarks made about the 2016 coup attempt.
  • The investigation was launched after Özcan and another CHP council member reportedly called the coup attempt a "theater" during a commemoration event.
  • Özcan is expected to testify before prosecutors after his processing by the police.

Gencay Özcan, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Council and a CHP group deputy chairman in the Bahçelievler Municipal Council, has been detained. The detention is part of an investigation initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation concerns allegations that Özcan and another CHP council member referred to the 2016 coup attempt as "theater" during a "15 Temmuz Martyrs Commemoration Program" in Bahçelievler. The probe was reportedly launched on charges of "inciting hatred and enmity among the public."

Authorities had previously instructed law enforcement to take statements from the individuals involved. Özcan appeared at the Istanbul Police Department to give a statement earlier in the morning, following which a detention order was issued by the prosecutor's office. He is expected to be brought before prosecutors after his police processing is complete.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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