Rezan Epözdemir: If I am convicted of this case, I will end my life

Detained lawyer Rezan Epözdemir said , “If I am convicted of this case, I will end my life.”

Epözdemir was detained on the morning of August 9 as part of an investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation was carried out in two separate files: "mediation of bribery" and "aiding FETÖ - political and military espionage."

In the investigation launched on bribery charges, KY, the former secretary of prosecutor C.Ç., whose name was mentioned in witness AD's allegations, was also detained. KY was released on the grounds of "effective remorse and confession."

Epözdemir, for whom the prosecutor's office requested an arrest on charges of "bribery," was arrested on August 14. The lawyer was released pending an investigation launched on charges of "aiding FETÖ" and "political and military espionage."

Epözdemir said the following in his statement shared on X:

* Those who set up this plot against me, using social media and false witnesses, are attempting to link me to the Can and Ciner Holding investigation on social media, using hostile and immoral behavior, so that I rot in prison and become a living corpse. This is clearly unconscionable.

* These trolls, who are managed from the same center with a hostile attitude and who share posts in exchange for their own interests, are trying to assassinate my 20-year struggle for rights and justice, and my reputation.

* I have three children, a wife, and a family. May God forgive all of our children. My children are also being severely affected by these lies and slander. I write this with the hope that those with a shred of conscience will put an end to this character assassination. I implore everyone to show some conscience and compassion.

* This unlawful detention and the slanderous accusations that unfairly target me have now become a form of persecution. If I am convicted in this case, I will end my life. For me, never living is better than living without honor.

* I request the public to please do not give credence to imaginary and malicious allegations written with hostile attitudes.

Those who set up this plot against me, using social media and false witnesses, are attempting to link me to the Can and Ciner Holding investigation through hostile and immoral behavior on social media, so that I rot in prison and become a living corpse. This is clearly…

— Rezan Epözdemir (@rezan_epozdemir) October 6, 2025

AD alleges that prosecutors C.Ç. and Epözdemir accepted a bribe of $150,000 in exchange for a release.

AD claims that C.Ç. took half of the money to Epözdemir on July 7, 2021.

The witness also states that Epözdemir had no power of attorney relationship in the incident.

Rezan Epözdemir, a graduate of Marmara University Faculty of Law, completed her master's degree in private law at the same university.

Epözdemir, who completed the Department of Public Law at Marmara University's Institute of Social Sciences, earned a doctorate in law. The author of three books, he has also taught as a lecturer at various universities.

Epözdemir served as the representative of many important figures from the worlds of business, art and sports.

The 41-year-old lawyer, who also served as vice president of Galatasaray Sports Club for a period, continues to work at the Analiz Law Firm, which he founded.