Selahattin Yılmaz Rejects Assassination Plot Claims, Calls Case a “Political Setup”

Selahattin Yılmaz, arrested on charges of preparing an assassination against Aziz İhsan Aktaş, denied the allegations in a letter from prison, claiming he was the target of a political conspiracy. Yılmaz, accused of involvement in a criminal organization, said the plot was designed to damage his reputation and silence Aktaş.

Yılmaz: “This Serves CHP’s Interests”

In his letter to journalist İsmail Saymaz, Yılmaz wrote:

“As a Muslim Turkish nationalist, we are fully devoted to the People’s Alliance led by my leader Dr. Devlet Bahçeli. It is impossible for me to harm Aktaş. Who would benefit from such an act? Of course, it would serve CHP. I believe certain CHP cliques wanted to use a known figure like me for impact.”

He argued the allegations were “nonsense”, stressing that his political and religious convictions prevent him from such an act.

Arrest and Investigation

Yılmaz, along with lawyers Cem Duman and Semra Ilık, was arrested in a police operation across five provinces on charges of threat, forming a criminal group, and profiting without authorization.

He also mentioned that Aktaş later bought a gas station near his home that he once considered purchasing, calling the timing suspicious.

Bahçeli Defends Yılmaz, Özel Responds

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli had publicly supported Yılmaz, calling him a “comrade” and condemning CHP leader Özgür Özel for using what he described as “defamatory language” during a speech.
Bahçeli said:

“Presenting Selahattin Yılmaz as a hired killer is the result of a degraded political discourse.”

Özel denied labeling Yılmaz a “hitman,” claiming Bahçeli’s criticism was really directed at his coalition partner, the AKP.

“I never called anyone a contract killer. Bahçeli is sending a message to his alliance partner: ‘Özgür, I say it to you, but my partner should understand,’” Özel stated.

“An Unbelievable Plot”

Yılmaz described the accusations as a “vile scheme”, insisting no threats, assaults, or assassination attempts were ever made:

“This is an unbelievable conspiracy. There is no victim, no attack, not even a slap. I am struggling to prove my innocence.”