04.05.2026 22:12
It was claimed that Konak Mayor Nilüfer Çınarlı Mutlu hired a hitman to threaten city council members who opposed the issuance of a permit for a plot of land next to a private hospital, using a weapon. Denying the allegations, Mutlu said, 'No one can associate my name with such a base and despicable accusation for any political account.'
The claim regarding Konak Municipality in Izmir stirred up the scene. According to the allegation, some municipal council members who objected to the issuance of a permit for a plot adjacent to a private hospital were threatened with a hitman hired by Konak Mayor Nilüfer Çınarlı Mutlu. Mutlu responded to the allegations.
MUTLU DENIES HITMAN ALLEGATIONS
Mutlu's statement is as follows: "I am following with great anger the recent revival of allegations about me that are not based on any concrete evidence. These insane lies, which were previously brought to the agenda, have been clearly and unequivocally answered by me, and it has been demonstrated that they are untrue."
Nevertheless, the periodic recirculation of the same allegations is an effort to mislead the public, damage the institution I represent and the Republican People's Party, and divert the agenda in different directions.
After my name was associated with the serious and ugly accusation of 'hiring a hitman,' our Council Member Melda Erbaykent, who was also placed under suspicion in the same matter, promptly took the issue to the judiciary on grounds of blackmail, threats, and misinformation, initiating the legal process on January 22, 2026. My faith in the law is absolute; the truth will emerge as soon as possible.
On the other hand, contrary to the zoning regulation claims in the news, all requests regarding the property in question were unanimously rejected by the Konak Municipal Council, which convened on March 4, 2026.
"I WILL FIGHT ON LEGAL GROUNDS"
The attempt to subject the name of the office I represent to criminal accusations based on street gossip and social media posts aims to harm not only me personally but also the trust in public institutions.
No one can associate my name with such a base and despicable accusation for any political calculation. As a woman who has existed in this city through years of effort and struggle, I will never bow to this smear campaign targeting my honor, dignity, and reputation. I will not tolerate any of these severe and immoral slanders directed at me; I will fight to the end on both legal and moral grounds.
Despite all manipulation games, we will pay no heed to attempts to divert the agenda, and we will continue to work with all our might for today and tomorrow of our Konak."