Former CHP district executive faces prison term for ‘sexual assault’

"We won't stay silent, you will be ashamed"

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Standing trial for sexaully assaulting a woman in İstanbul, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) former Maltepe District Vice Chair Umut K. had his hearing at Kartal Courthouse in İstanbul.

Arrested pending trial, Umut K. attended the hearing from prison via video conference on the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS). The attorneys of the parties were in the courtroom.

Pronouncing his opinion as to the accusations at the hearing, the prosecutor demanded that arrested defendant Umut K. be sentenced to 15 years to 22 years, 6 months in prison on charges of "sexual assault" and "deprivation of liberty for purposes of sexual assault."

The attorney of the woman said that they agreed with the prosecutor's opinion as to the accusations. The attorney of Umut K. said that they did not accept the opinion as to the accusations and demanded time to prepare a statement of defense as to the accusations.

Handing down its interim ruling, the court board has ruled that the attorney of the defendant shall be given time for the defense as to the accusations. It has also ruled that the arrest of Umut K. shall continue and the deficiencies in the file shall be rectified. (EMK/SD)