10.06.2026 17:10
A response came from the Istanbul Police Department regarding the claim that "strip search" was conducted during the detention process of Fatoş Pınar Türker, General Manager of Media AŞ, who is one of the 414 defendants in the IMM Case, including Ekrem İmamoğlu. The statement said, "In the incident in question, no unlawful practices occurred during the procedures carried out throughout the individual's detention process, and the claims do not reflect the truth."
The 47th hearing of the "Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Corruption Case," involving 414 defendants, 68 of whom are detained, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, the suspended Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor currently held in Silivri, witnessed dramatic moments.
During the hearing held yesterday (Tuesday, June 9) at Courtroom No. 1 of the Marmara Closed Prison in Silivri, presided over by the Istanbul 40th Heavy Penal Court, Fatoş Pınar Türker, the detained General Manager of Medya AŞ, an IMM subsidiary and a key figure in the case, continued her defense.
TÜRKER ALLEGES 'STRIP SEARCH' IN COURT THROUGH TEARS
In the courtroom, Türker recounted the process of her detention and admission to prison in tears, making striking allegations. Beginning her defense with the words, "Anyone ashamed can leave," Türker claimed that during the prison admission process, she was held in an area used as a warehouse and subjected to a strip search.
STATEMENT FROM ISTANBUL POLICE DEPARTMENT
A denial of the allegations came from the Istanbul Police Department. The statement included the following: "The Istanbul Police Department has deemed it necessary to make a statement to accurately inform the public regarding the baseless allegations circulating in some media outlets and social media platforms.
The said posts included statements by Fatoş Pınar Türker, the detained General Manager of IMM subsidiary Medya A.Ş., regarding the practices she allegedly experienced while in custody at the Istanbul Police Department.
'ALL PROCEDURES CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW'
All arrest, custody, search, and judicial procedures carried out within the Istanbul Police Department are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, relevant legal provisions, human rights principles, and procedures open to judicial review. Maximum care is taken to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of detained individuals, and all procedures are carried out in line with legal regulations.
In the specific incident in question, there was no practice contrary to the law during the procedures carried out throughout the individual's custody period, and the allegations do not reflect the truth. We respectfully submit this to the public's knowledge."
IMMEDIATE DENIAL FROM THE CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE: COMPLETELY UNFOUNDED
Following the coverage of Türker's allegations in the courtroom by the press and social media, the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took action and published an official press release.
The statement recalled that Türker, arrested on March 23, 2025, on charges of bribery, was admitted to the Marmara Women's Closed Penitentiary Institution on the same day, emphasizing that the allegations of a strip search and warehouse detention were completely unfounded.
'THE SEARCH LASTED ONLY 1 MINUTE, CLOTHES WERE NOT REMOVED'
Stating that the admission and search procedures were carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 34 of the legislation, the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office shared the details of the search moment with the following statements:
"The search in question was conducted in an area not visible from the outside and with no video recording, and it is not the case that the detainee's clothes were removed as alleged. The search process began at 18:01 and was completed at 18:02."
SIGNED THE REPORT SAYING 'I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS'
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the document prepared after the search clearly recorded that the detainee Fatoş Pınar Türker herself confirmed that she "had no damage or complaints."
Concluding the statement, the allegations that the defendant was held in a warehouse outside designated living areas were also denied, affirming that the prison admission and placement procedures were carried out in full compliance with the law.