06.09.2026 12:10
Melih Gökçek, who was called to testify as a suspect within the scope of the investigation against him, reacted to comments that chewing gum while going to the courthouse was a 'challenge'. Gökçek, stating that the substance in his mouth was a chewing tablet he uses due to diabetes, said, 'Challenging justice is not within anyone's authority.'
Former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Melih Gökçek was seen heading to the courthouse after being called to testify as a suspect within the scope of the investigation conducted against him.
As Gökçek passed through the journalists, the substance in his mouth, thought to be gum, was interpreted by some circles as a "challenge." Gökçek, however, reacted strongly to these comments on his social media account.
"NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CHALLENGE JUSTICE"
Gökçek stated that the substance in his mouth was not gum but a chewable tablet, which he said he used to prevent dry mouth due to diabetes.
In his statement, Gökçek said, "I have stated my respect for justice several times in this incident. No one has the right to challenge justice."
Gökçek also noted that he did not continue using the chewable tablet after entering the courthouse, saying, "The chewable tablet issue ended as soon as I stepped into the courthouse. I threw the tablet into the trash bin at the entrance. Everyone, including the police at the entrance, can witness this."
HARSH RESPONSE TO MEDIA MEMBERS
Reacting to the comments about him, Gökçek concluded his statement with the following words: "I warn media members who make comments without knowing their place. Let them be careful with their comments…"
INVESTIGATION AFTER ALLEGED INVESTMENTS IN GERMANY
The process against Gökçek began after journalist Murat Ağırel brought forward allegations regarding the Gökçek family's investments in Germany.
Ağırel claimed that through a company named HAMAG, linked to Melih Gökçek and his family, real estate investments worth millions of euros were made in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Following the news, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation on August 29 to examine the allegations and uncover the truth.
Gökçek had previously stated, "By God's grace, I have no accounts I cannot give. I will provide the necessary information to the prosecutor's office. I am surrendering myself to Turkish justice."
Within the scope of the investigation, Murat Ağırel testified as a witness, while Melih Gökçek was called to testify as a suspect on September 2.