03.12.2025 15:58
The deputy mayor of Manavgat, Engin Tüter, who was caught red-handed receiving a bribe of 110,000 euros in a baklava box at his office, stated in his defense, "I put the bag behind the door and went after Cengiz, but I couldn't find him. Then the police arrived immediately. After taking the bag, I thought it was a setup."
The trial of 41 defendants, including the mayor of Manavgat, Niyazi Nefi Kara, and deputy mayor Engin Tüter, who were arrested and suspended from duty as part of a 'corruption' and 'bribery' investigation against the Manavgat Municipality, has begun. Nine of the defendants are in custody.
The hearing, held at the Manavgat 3rd High Criminal Court, continued on its second day. During the session, Tüter, who was caught red-handed by police teams receiving a bribe of 110,000 euros in a baklava box in his office, made a defense. Tüter stated that he was declared a scapegoat after the footage of his arrest and that a trap was set for him.
THE MAYOR REMINDED OF HIS WORDS IN THE TAPES
After the presiding judge reminded Tüter of the words 'commission' mentioned in the tapes and the phrases 'Okay, how much is inside' and 'Don't tell anyone anything' in the footage of the incident, Tüter said: "What I meant by 'Don't tell anyone anything' to Cengiz Coşar was; we had a hotel, and it was going to undergo renovation. That's why I said it. I didn't know how much was inside, that's why I asked. Then I thought it was a trap. I put the bag behind the door and followed Cengiz, but I couldn't find it. Then the police came right away. After taking the bag, I thought it was a trap."
"HE WILL PAY ALİ GÜRBÜZ'S MONEY"
Regarding the fact that Seval Öz Özgenç, a member of the municipal council and a defendant in the case, was the sponsor of wrestler A.G., Tüter stated, "I ran into Niyazi Nefi Kara in the corridor, and he told me about Seval Öz Özgenç, 'There are illegal rooms in his hotel, he will pay A.G.'s money.'
WARNING FROM THE MAYOR: 'DON'T LOOK AROUND'
In his defense, Tüter mentioned that Niyazi Nefi Kara called his nephew Hüseyin Cem Gül to inform him about illegal rooms in another hotel in Manavgat. The presiding judge asked, "Hüseyin Cem Gül is a tradesman in the industry. 'Why are you informing him?'" Before answering the question, the judge warned Tüter, who was looking at the defendants, "Don't look around, answer directly by looking at us." Tüter replied, "I just called. Maybe he has information."
"THEY SENT IT AS A GIFT"
In response to the presiding judge's question about the alcoholic beverages seized in the vehicle assigned to him by the municipality during the police raid, Tüter said, "My driver's wedding was taking place. My driver is a poor guy. The venue owners sent it as a gift to my driver." The hearing continues.