28.07.2026 19:50
Journalist Uğur Dündar, who gave a statement as part of the Ahbaplar Association investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, emphasized that he was never involved in any financial matters throughout the process. Dündar stated that he previously warned Haluk Levent, "Stay out of money matters," and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of Turkish society over the events, but noted that there was no situation requiring him to personally apologize.
The details of journalist Uğur Dündar's statement to the prosecutor's office in the Ahbap Association investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office have emerged.
Stating that he has been in the profession for about 60 years, Uğur Dündar emphasized that he has no financial relationship with the association or Haluk Levent. According to the details in the investigation file, Dündar noted that he feels sorry for society regarding the process but that there is no situation requiring him to personally apologize.
"I ADVISED HALUK LEVENT NOT TO GET INVOLVED IN FINANCIAL MATTERS"
Stating that he does not have a close friendship with Haluk Levent but has a long-standing acquaintance, Dündar said that he once gave him brotherly advice and added:
"I hosted Haluk Levent as a guest on my television program in 2001. When he founded the Ahbap Goodwill Movement in 2017, I advised him, 'Don't get involved in financial matters; your past will catch up with you, don't let your good intentions be overshadowed.' I have no personal closeness with him; we only had occasional conversations about the general situation."
"I ASSUMED IT WAS BEING AUDITED BY OFFICIAL AUTHORITIES"
Expressing that the association appearing to act jointly with authorized institutions during the earthquake process created a sense of trust, Dündar explained this situation with the following words:
"Ahbap and Haluk Levent have always reflected the impression of being together with state institutions. Since I didn't want to hinder someone who gives photos side by side with esteemed ministers and assumed that official authorities were already auditing the association, I refrained from open criticism through the media and limited myself to personal warnings. Despite these issues revealed in the investigation, I cannot understand how the association was given the authority to collect and manage money."
"I LATER DELETED MY POST OF SUPPORT DURING THE EARTHQUAKE PERIOD"
Stating that he made a post to boost morale for structures like Ahbap and Babala TV during the disaster period but changed his decision when allegations emerged, Dündar summarized the continuation of the process as follows:
"During the earthquake, when I saw the posts with bureaucrats and that coordinated image, I tweeted, 'Well done to the kids, Ahbap-Babala is our pride.' Although I gave this support thinking it was well-audited, I had to delete my post upon learning the allegations and investigation news about Haluk Levent. At this point, I have no regret other than saying 'I wish it hadn't been like this.'"
"I DECLINED THE FOUNDATION OFFER SAYING I CANNOT TOUCH PUBLIC MONEY"
Drawing attention to his sensitivity regarding financial matters and stating that he did not accept offers made to him during the earthquake period, Dündar concluded his statement with these sentences:
"During the earthquake process, due to the trust in me, they said 'Establish a foundation, let us make donations to you.' I declined the offer by saying, 'I cannot touch public money; its preservation is a heavy burden.' Neither I nor my family have ever had any financial dealings. I feel deep sorrow on behalf of Turkish society; however, since I have no concrete involvement in the process, there is no situation requiring me to personally apologize."