- Accusations of corrupt payments: criminal proceedings against ex-Senator Dilek Kalayci
The legal team has filed charges against Berlin's ex-Health Minister, Dilek Kalayci, for allegations of corruption. Similarly, charges have been brought against the owner of an advertising firm, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Berlin prosecutor's office. The individual in question is 58 years old and accused of taking bribes. Prior reports from "Tagesspiegel" had surfaced.
Kalayci herself remained silent on the matter. However, a law firm representing her stated to the German Press Agency that the ex-Minister firmly denies the accusations levied against her. "Extensive investigations have failed to substantiate the charge in my opinion," said lawyer Robert Unger.
Charges: Missing Invoice for the Wedding
As per the investigation, the advertising firm owner and the politician allegedly agreed in spring 2019 that the agency would handle the planning and organization of Kalayci's wedding. However, the former Minister was never charged for these services. The prosecutor's office suspects that she was exempt due to promises of future orders from the Senate.
Kalayci is said to have never requested an invoice. Instead, the company received a contract for an advertisement campaign from the health department following the wedding, aimed at attracting new talent for nursing. The agency received 267,830 euros for this. After deducting campaign costs, the company purportedly had around 7,400 euros left, with the co-accused owner receiving approximately 9,450 euros. The services for Kalayci's wedding reportedly amounted to around 11,240 euros.
Dilek Kalayci Refutes Allegations
Kalayci's lawyer asserted: "She maintains that prior to the accusation coming to her notice, she believed that the services of the advertising agency had been billed and fully paid for." His client was unaware of unbilled services and would not have tolerated such a situation, lawyer Unger added. "Mrs. Kalayci has not violated her duties at any point," Unger further stated.
If the prosecutor's office succeeds, the trial will take place before the Berlin Regional Court. A chamber must now decide whether it shares the prosecutor's viewpoint and grants permission for the indictment. Till the legally binding conclusion of the proceedings, the presumption of innocence remains in effect.
The charges against Dilek Kalayci and the advertising firm owner are being handled by The Office of the Prosecutor, as confirmed by the Berlin prosecutor's office spokesperson. If the proceeding leads to a trial, it will take place before the Berlin Regional Court, where the prosecutor's office needs permission from a chamber to move forward with the indictment.
