Former CHP leader testifies in OdaTV case

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

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Deniz Baykal, the former head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and current Antalya deputy, has testified as a witness in the OdaTV case, which is part of the “Ergenekon coup plot case.”

Baykal testified at the Ankara 13th High Criminal Court with the attendance of his lawyer. Baykal said he presented his written testimony, which was previously provided by his lawyer.

The 16th High Criminal Court in Istanbul had ruled that Baykal had to testify personally. The case regarding OdaTV, an online news portal known for its fierce criticism of government policies, began after the police conducted a search in the website’s offices in February 2011 as part of the ongoing Ergenekon investigation.

The last two suspects in the case, former Eskişehir Police Chief Hanefi Avcı and Professor Yalçın Küçük, were released by an Istanbul court on Dec. 12, while remaining in jail on other charges.

Avcı and Küçük were among 11 other suspects being tried by the 16th Istanbul High Criminal Court in the OdaTV case.