World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Sadettin Saran appears in Istanbul court on drug supply charges
Former Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran appeared in court in Istanbul for the first hearing in a drug-related case.
Saran and presenter Ela Rümeysa Cebeci are charged with drug trafficking or supplying drugs, and prosecutors are seeking at least 10 years in prison for each.
Saran denied using, growing or supplying drugs and said messages cited in the case were jokes and referred to wine.
Cebeci did not attend the hearing.
The court kept judicial controls in place, and Saran was excused from attending future hearings.
The next hearing is scheduled for 4 November.
Sadettin Saran appeared at Istanbul’s 4th High Criminal Court for the first hearing in a case alleging drug or stimulant supply.
Prosecutors are seeking prison terms of at least 10 years each for Saran and Ela Rumeysa Cebeci.
Saran denied using, growing, supplying or selling drugs and said messages cited in the case were jokes about wine.
The court continued judicial-control measures, excused Saran from attending future hearings and scheduled the next hearing for 4 November.
Cebeci did not attend the hearing.
- Who
- Sadettin Saran and Ela Rumeysa Cebeci are defendants. Saran attended; Cebeci did not.
- What
- They face charges of drug or stimulant trafficking or supply, with prison terms of at least 10 years sought for each.
- When
- The first hearing took place on 27 October 2026.
- Where
- Istanbul’s 4th High Criminal Court, at Istanbul Justice Palace.
- Why
- They are being tried over allegations of drug or stimulant supply. Saran denied the allegations.
Case allegations
Sadettin Saran
Basis of case
Case allegations
Messages between Saran and Cebeci were alleged to show intent not only to use drugs but also to obtain them.
Sadettin Saran
Saran said the messages were jokes about wine and denied using, growing, supplying or selling drugs.
Drug involvement
Case allegations
Saran and Cebeci are charged with drug or stimulant trafficking or supply, and prison terms of at least 10 years each are sought.
Sadettin Saran
Saran denied any drug involvement and said nothing was found at his home or garden.
Saran attended the first hearing at Istanbul’s 4th High Criminal Court.
The court continued judicial-control measures and excused Saran from attending future hearings.
The case’s second hearing is scheduled.
- Defendants
- Sadettin Saran and Ela Rumeysa Cebeci
- Charge
- Drug or stimulant trafficking or supply
- Requested sentence
- At least 10 years in prison for each defendant
- Court
- Istanbul 4th High Criminal Court
- Next hearing
- 4 November
3 sources
What people are saying
I did not use it, grow it, or sell it.
Today is the most shameful day of my life.
These conversations are completely jokes and banter.
I feel sadness and shame at being here before you.