Operation Targets CHP Municipalities: Mayors of Adana, Antalya, and Adıyaman Taken Into Custody
Turkish prosecutors detain CHP mayors in Adana, Antalya, and Adıyaman on corruption charges, citing testimonies and financial documents, with wider investigations underway.
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Operation Targets CHP Municipalities: Mayors of Adana, Antalya, and Adıyaman Taken Into Custody
YEREL GÜNDEM / ANKARA
In a sweeping operation that has rocked Turkey’s opposition ranks, the mayors of Adana, Antalya, and Adıyaman — all from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) — have been detained as part of a series of corruption investigations. Prosecutors cited testimonies from suspects benefiting from repentance laws, as well as newly submitted documents, as the basis for the detentions.
Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar Detained Over Past Allegations
Zeydan Karalar, mayor of Adana, was taken into custody reportedly due to accusations dating back to his previous term as Seyhan mayor, connected to the Aziz İhsan Aktaş investigation. Prosecutors allege that Karalar solicited illegal benefits from company managers through the municipality’s cleaning director at that time. A search and seizure operation was conducted at Karalar’s residence, and he was charged with “bribery and extortion.”
Karalar released a brief video statement on social media after his detention in Gebze, telling supporters, “This is a process. Stay calm, we will continue to fight.”
Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek Under Separate Investigation
Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek is also under scrutiny, though the chief prosecutor’s office clarified that his case is being handled separately by the Antalya Public Prosecutor.
Additionally, it was revealed that Böcek’s son and former daughter-in-law, Zeynep Kerimoğlu, were also detained.
Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere Taken Into Custody
Adıyaman Mayor Abdurrahman Tutdere confirmed his own detention, stating, “This morning, I was detained at my home in Ankara and taken to Istanbul.” According to the investigation, Tutdere allegedly demanded illegal benefits from companies doing business with the municipality, using his deputy mayor as an intermediary. Both Tutdere and Deputy Mayor Ceyhan Kayhan were charged with “extortion.”
Other Detentions Linked to Ongoing Municipal Probes
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced that search and seizure operations were carried out as part of file number 2024/228233, involving allegations of financial transfers from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) tenders. Suspects reportedly forced payments under duress, with Büyükçekmece’s acting mayor Ahmet Şahin and his driver among those detained for “bribery.”
Attorney Onur Büyükhatipoğlu, who previously represented suspects in the İBB investigation, was also detained on suspicion of “membership in a criminal organization,” based on evidence that he coordinated meetings with crime ring leaders and supervised jailed suspects.
In another investigation under file number 2025/76021, four people were detained on allegations that former Büyükçekmece Mayor Hasan Akgün demanded property as bribes for construction permits and later transferred those properties to family members or business associates.
Prosecutor’s Office Details Expanding Inquiries
According to the prosecution, testimony from a previously jailed figure, Aziz İhsan Aktaş, described a system of illegal payments going back years during Karalar’s Seyhan term. Similarly, confessions pointed to Adıyaman Mayor Tutdere requesting improper payments through his staff.
Further, four people linked to Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat, who is already under arrest, were also detained in relation to suspected money laundering involving proceeds from crime.
Authorities have stated that these investigations are ongoing, with additional operations and legal proceedings expected in the coming days.
Etiketler: #CHP #Adana #Antalya #Adıyaman #Belediye #Yolsuzluk #Soruşturma
