04.09.2026 16:40
When asked about Bülent Arınç's statement, 'If the prosecutor summons me, I will go running,' upon his arrival at the Ankara Courthouse to testify as a 'suspect' within the scope of the investigation launched against him, Melih Gökçek, instead of verbally responding to the question about Arınç, dismissively waved his hand in a nonchalant manner.
Former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Melih Gökçek, against whom an investigation was launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over allegations that "unregistered money was transferred to companies abroad," came to the courthouse to testify as a "suspect."
THE GUM DETAIL DREW ATTENTION
The judicial process, initiated upon the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's summons, has effectively begun. Gökçek, who was summoned to testify as a "suspect" on Friday, September 4, at 4:00 PM, arrived at the courthouse building at the expected time. It was noteworthy that Gökçek, who entered the courthouse to complete his statement procedures, had gum in his mouth.
THE STRIKING ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ARINÇ QUESTION
At the courthouse entrance, Gökçek was asked about Bülent Arınç's words: "If the prosecutor says, 'Come in, we will ask you these questions as a witness,' I would go quickly." Gökçek responded to this question with a dismissive attitude, waving his hand.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
Following the allegations brought to the agenda by journalist Murat Ağırel, which had a wide impact on the public, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office took action. In an official statement from the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was announced that an investigation had been initiated ex officio to clarify the allegations in the press that "İbrahim Melih Gökçek transferred unregistered money to companies abroad" and to reveal the material truth. After the news of the investigation against him, Gökçek, making a brief assessment, had said, "With God's permission, I am surrendering myself to Turkish justice."
STRIKING CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FROM ABB
The legal process against Gökçek has expanded further with a new step taken by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. ABB Lawyer Nadi Türkaslan filed a comprehensive criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office on the grounds that municipal tenders were rigged. In the petition submitted, it was requested that legal action be taken against Melih Gökçek, his family members, Beyaz TV Ankara executives, Osmanlıspor executives, and other individuals alleged to have rigged tenders, on the claim that they had established a "criminal organization."