One step left to prove my innocence, jailed CHP MP Berberoğlu says

Jailed main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Enis Berberoğlu said through his lawyers on Oct. 10 that an Istanbul appeals court’s decision for his retrial in an espionage case means he is very close to proving his innocence.

“As I said when I was first jailed, I have proven that I was not a traitor or a spy. Just one step is now left to prove my innocence,” Berberoğlu said in his first statement released since the decision issued down by an Istanbul court on Oct. 9.

The message was issued through his lawyers Murat Ergün and Yiğit Acar.

The court ordered Berberoğlu’s retrial, reversing a previous ruling that sentenced him to 25 years in jail in a case regarding National Intelligence Organization (MİT) trucks bound for Syria. The CHP deputy has so far been in Istanbul’s Maltepe Prison for four months.

“I am happy for not having brought disgrace on those who love and trust me, my family, party and friends. I already knew that I was not a spy or traitor, but knowing that my close ones were saddened by this slander has been a heavier burden than any kind of punishment. With the decision of the appeals court, the weighted of this burden has been lifted. Now it is time to prove my innocence …. You outside and I inside will continue to struggle,” Berberoğlu also stated in his message.

The appeals court ruling for a retrial came after the CHP MP’s lawyers applied to the court for an examination of the case on July 19.

However, the appeals court also ordered the continuation of the Berberoğlu’s arrest, citing the status of current evidence and his potential to escape. It also ruled out any probation.