05.07.2025 17:23
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç spoke about the investigations initiated regarding bribery and corruption allegations against the mayors of Antalya, Manavgat, Adana, and Adıyaman from the CHP. Minister Tunç stated, "The initiated judicial investigations are being conducted in accordance with the requirements of the law and entirely within legal boundaries. No one is above the law and regulations."
Investigations against municipalities governed by the CHP continue. Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar and Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere were detained as part of the investigation conducted in Istanbul.
In the investigation carried out by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek and his former daughter-in-law Zeynep Kerimoğlu were also detained. His son Mustafa Gökhan Böcek, who has an arrest warrant against him, is being sought abroad. Additionally, four people, including the Deputy Mayor Ahmet Şahin, who was elected three weeks ago to replace the detained Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün, were also detained. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç made a statement regarding the investigations on his official social media account.
"INVESTIGATIONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED WITHIN LEGAL LIMITS"
Minister Tunç stated that the investigations are being conducted entirely within legal limits in accordance with the requirements of the law: "The judicial investigations initiated by the relevant Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices regarding allegations of bribery and corruption against the mayors of Antalya, Manavgat, Adana, and Adıyaman are being carried out in accordance with the requirements of the law and entirely within legal limits."
According to Article 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code; "When a situation arises that gives the impression that a crime has been committed, the public prosecutor is obliged to immediately start an investigation to uncover the material truth and to decide whether to file a public lawsuit."
It is unthinkable for the judiciary to remain indifferent in the presence of strong suspicion of crime. The rights of defense of individuals in a suspect position are guaranteed in the face of the evidence and allegations presented by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices.
"NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW AND REGULATIONS"
No one is above the law and regulations. Everyone, including those performing public duties, is subject to judicial oversight. To portray judicial actions carried out during the investigation phase as "political," "biased," or "intentional" are irresponsible accusations that directly harm the impartiality and independence of the judiciary and aim to undermine it.
Prejudgments such as "there is no crime" or "a crime has definitely been committed" made without knowing the content of the files are statements aimed at influencing the investigation.
Especially the smear campaigns targeting members of the judiciary by certain circles harm judicial processes and legal security.
"THOSE WHO LINK THE INVESTIGATIONS TO OUR PRESIDENT ARE DIRECTLY ATTACKING THE LAW"
Those who dare to associate judicial investigations with our esteemed President in a disrespectful and insolent manner, making baseless and low-level accusations, are actually directly attacking the judiciary, the law, and the constitutional order.
Statements containing insults and threats against the independent judicial authorities conducting the investigation are clearly attempts to exert pressure on the judiciary, obstruct the administration of justice, and mislead the public.
Such aggressive and irresponsible statements are absolutely unacceptable. While the judicial process is ongoing, no one can presume to judge themselves in place of the judges and prosecutors.
What everyone who respects the law should do is to wait for the decision of the judiciary, show respect for the legal process, and avoid attitudes that would cast a shadow on fair trial."