The trial of Aziz İhsan Aktaş, a businessman and witness in cases targeting numerous Turkish opposition politicians, began Tuesday (January 27) at the Silivri Prison on the western edges of Istanbul. Here’s what you need to know about the trial.

Written by Leo Kendrick

Aktaş is a key witness in numerous legal cases currently targeting opposition politicians belonging to Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP). Aktaş, who has entered a plea deal and is cooperating with authorities, is alleged to have used bribes to organize the corrupt procurement of lucrative tenders from numerous opposition controlled municipalities across Turkey.

Extra security precautions have been requested for the area immediately surrounding the hearing room at Silivri, following protests at the same location last week after a court rejected an appeal filed by imprisoned İstanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu to have his university diploma annulment overturned.

22 individuals being charged in the trial of businessman Aziz İhsan Aktaş case who are residing outside of Istanbul will not be joining Tuesday’s hearing at Silivri, according to an........

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