11.05.2026 01:10
The Istanbul Provincial Police Department issued a statement regarding the post made by journalist Emin Pazarcı's daughter, Begüm Ece Pazarcı, from a vehicle with an illegal warning device, which sparked a major public debate. The statement reported that an administrative fine of 173,392 TL was imposed on the vehicle seen in the footage and that proceedings were initiated to ban it from traffic for 30 days.
Lawyer Begüm Ece Pazarcı, daughter of journalist Emin Pazarcı, sparked a major public debate by sharing on social media her moments going to watch the Galatasaray-Antalyaspor match in a vehicle with illegal flashing lights. The Istanbul Provincial Police Department, which took action over allegations of unlawful use of "flashers" contrary to regulations, also issued a statement.
DELETED QUICKLY Begüm Ece Pazarcı quickly deleted the post following the backlash, while social media users questioned how this privilege, legally granted only to certain public officials, was being used. At the center of the controversy, Begüm Ece Pazarcı and her father Emin Pazarcı successively made stern statements citing security reasons.
“THE VEHICLE BELONGS TO A RELATIVE” DEFENSE The first statement came from Begüm Ece Pazarcı. Stating that the vehicle belonged to a relative and that she was only a passenger in the car at the time, Pazarcı said: "I didn't take the matter seriously and wasn't going to comment, but since my father is also being attacked and I'm receiving immoral messages, let me say a few words... As you know, I live in Ankara... The car I use is in Ankara... We came to Istanbul in my friends' car. On match day, a relative, to whom this vehicle is legally assigned, dropped me off at the stadium while going elsewhere. He was also sitting in the front of the same car. Caught up in the excitement of the match and championship, I shared a video. That's all. You can investigate from any source you want; I don't own a flasher-equipped vehicle. I have no privileges either. I don't earn the amounts you assume. For instance, I'm a tenant in my office... In short, that's the whole story. It's not a situation to be blown up to trend on Turkey's agenda. The weather in Istanbul is beautiful today—stop spewing hatred on social media, go outside and get some fresh air, it will do you good... Best regards."
IT BELONGS TO HER FATHER: NOT MY DAUGHTER, BUT I HAVE IT Emin Pazarcı, making a statement after his daughter, said the vehicle belonged to him and responded to criticisms with these words: "You pack of scoundrels... Are you looking for a flasher car? It's not my daughter's, it's mine. But I've never used it once. Anyone who proves otherwise can slap my forehead! Why do I have it? Because of filth like you! I've come off the death lists of terrorist organizations. They put me on the cover of their magazines and targeted me. I've been subjected to armed attacks many times in the past. It's there as a precaution. Shouldn't it be? Should stones be tied and dogs roam free?"
POLICE ACTED: 173 THOUSAND LIRA FINE Following the spread of the footage, the Istanbul Police Department took action. The department announced that an administrative fine of 173,392 lira was imposed on the vehicle in the images and that the vehicle was banned from traffic for 30 days.
In the statement from the department, the following expressions were included: "Following the appearance of images on some social media platforms of a person named B.E.P. making a post inside a vehicle equipped with a flasher device, it was deemed necessary to inform the public. Within the framework of the Protection Services Regulation, there is no protection order or right of way issued in the name of the person in question. The vehicle in the images was identified; an administrative fine of 173,392 TL was imposed, and penal proceedings have been initiated to ban the vehicle from traffic for 30 days and to confiscate the driver's license for 30 days. Our inspections regarding the use of the right of way outside its intended purpose continue unabated, and no usage contrary to the legislation will be tolerated. Respectfully announced to the public."