AKP deputy leader steps down to fight bribery accusation

Saban Disli, deputy leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Sakarya deputy, yesterday resigned from his top party positions after being accused of accepting $1 million in bribes. He said in a written statement, "I've resigned from my party positions both so I can wage a better legal fight against the accusations and to stop the opposition's efforts to discredit my party." But top main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) officials called Disli's move insufficient, saying the AKP deputy should face trial stripped of his parliamentary immunity. Disli stands accused of using his political power to change a zoning ruling in Silivri, Istanbul, in exchange for $1 million.