17.03.2026 10:22
The first hearing of the case in which 41 defendants, including Muhittin Böcek, are being tried in the investigation against the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality was held. Böcek, who was seen for the first time in 9 months, drew attention with his transformation.
A bribery and corruption trial against the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality has begun. In the first hearing of the case held at the Antalya 6th High Criminal Court, 41 defendants, including the mayor Muhittin Böcek, who was removed from office, appeared before the judge, 5 of whom are in custody. In his defense, Muhittin Böcek stated that the municipality is constantly audited by the chief inspectors of the Ministry of Interior and the Court of Accounts, and that there were no irregularities in the tenders they conducted. Böcek said, "I did not enrich my relatives. My nephew's company declared bankruptcy. My nephew's apartments are being sold."
"I WANT TO LIVE"
Referring to his health condition, Böcek said, "Since I was arrested, I have been taken to the hospital 10 times. When I was arrested on July 5, I was using 5 medications. I could not see my doctors. I want to live. I have heart, asthma, kidney, and prostate diseases. I urgently want to receive treatment related to my health," he stated.
DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS
In response to the questions of the court president regarding the actions mentioned in the indictment, Böcek stated that he was unaware of the payments allegedly made by Y.Y., the owner of Anadolu Advertising Company, during the 2024 local elections. Böcek claimed that he borrowed money from his son, businessman Y.Y., for the purchase of a luxury apartment for his ex-daughter-in-law Z.K., and that he was also unaware of this, expressing that he did not understand why he was being accused due to a debt relationship between two individuals. Regarding the payment of 80 million lira as divorce compensation to his ex-daughter-in-law, Böcek argued that no payments were made to anyone outside the law and regulations, and therefore it could not be concluded that he committed the crime of bribery. Mustafa Gökhan Böcek, who defended him, also stated that his father was not aware of the events that took place.
CHANGE CAUGHT ATTENTION
While these events were unfolding in the hearing, the change that Muhittin Böcek experienced during his 9 months in prison drew attention. It was observed that Böcek's hair had turned white and that he had lost weight.