Doğan to testify in court over loss accusations, daily claims

The Capital Markets Board (SPK), Turkey’s exchanges watchdog, announced last month that it would file an official complaint against Doğan, İmre Barmanbek, Hanzade Vasfiye Doğan Boyner and Ali Rıza Temuroğlu, accusing them of causing financial losses to Hürriyet Gazetecilik and Doğan Gazetecilik. According to Sabah’s report, legal notices sent by the İstanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office have now been received by the suspects, whose attorneys have requested extra time to prepare their defense.

The SPK claimed last month that Doğan Holding purchased paper and publishing supplies at higher producer/seller unit prices from companies owned by the Doğan family -- Sortal Trading Company Limited and Shawcliff Trading Limited -- instead of from direct producers. This, the SPK contends, cost Hürriyet Gazetecilik and Doğan Gazetecilik TL 33.12 million, excluding interest. The SPK reported that it would take the case to court and file suit against persons found to be involved in the incident after an SPK investigation. The SPK accused several Doğan Holding executives, including Doğan himself, of the same charge last year as well.