German espionage trial explores Turkish graft cover up
Wiretapped conversations between two accused of espionage at a German trial in Koblenz revealed outlines of a huge cover up operation in Turkey to hide a suspected case of corruption allegedly involving former Prime Minister and now President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his family.
"The voice recording between one of the suspects in the case, Ahmet Duran Yüksel and a man identified as Hünkar A. was played aloud during Thursday’s hearing of the trial. Yüksel was reportedly working for Muhammed Taha Gergerlioğlu, a former aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
According to the the conversation wiretapped on Dec. 20, 2013, three days after a major corruption probe broke out in Turkey, Hünkar A. tells Yüksel that “there should of course be a victim” as they discuss repercussions of the probe. “There is already a victim. You know Fethullah Gülen has been chosen. He will be given a severe headache,” Yüksel says in response.
In the recording, Yüksel continues to say that a major overhaul will be carried out in the National Police Department, saying “17,000 police officers will be removed from post.” Yüksel also claims that “an assassination will be carried out” on New Year, but does not give details on who will be killed by whom."
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