18.07.2026 13:53
In the scope of the investigation against Ahbap Association, a reaction to the arrested Haluk Levent came from his hometown, Adana. A fellow townsman criticized the artist, saying, "We were deceived. I gave 85 percent of my salary during that period."
Adanalı artist Haluk Levent was arrested as part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering Investigation Bureau targeting the Ahbap Association. After the actions of Haluk Levent, born in 1968 in the Yüreğir district of Adana, through the Ahbap Association were revealed, his fellow citizens reacted.
While his fellow citizens expressed their sorrow over Levent's actions, some citizens who stated they had previously supported aid campaigns said their trust was misplaced and they experienced great disappointment.
"I HAD GIVEN 85% OF MY SALARY"
Citizen Veysel Sözal stated that Haluk Levent gave many concerts across Turkey, saying, "He gained people's trust by making donations. During the earthquake, his aid touched people's emotions, and we were deceived. There were those who gave their last money. Some gave much while having little, others gave little while having much. During that period, I had given 85% of my salary. What I gave remains as charity."
"BEING AN ARTIST MEANS BEING AN EXAMPLE TO SOCIETY"
Citizen named Onur Fırat said, "We were very saddened by the news. People can no longer trust each other. Did that aid money really reach those in need? We don't know. Hopefully, there is no such thing. I had donated clothes during that period. If an artist does this, what should the public do? Being an artist means appealing to a certain segment of society, it means being an example. Haluk Levent had emerged as one of the most trustworthy people in recent polls."
"AS SOMEONE FROM ADANA, IT DISAPPOINTED ME"
Bedir Yıldırım also said, "As someone from Adana, it disappointed me. I appreciated his art. He wasted himself. My trust in such people has been greatly shaken."
Sabit Ay expressed that he had loved Haluk Levent since childhood, stating that he did not provide aid during the earthquake but felt saddened when he saw what the artist had done.