Stories from Turkey

The 27th session of the trial involving an alleged criminal organization related to Ekrem İmamoğlu concluded at the Istanbul 40th High Criminal Court. To date, 35 detained defendants have provided their defenses. Of the 414 defendants in the case, 35 detained individuals have provided testimony so far. The case involves allegations of forming a criminal organization for the purpose of creating chaos. Thirty-five detained defendants have completed their defense in a trial involving 414 total defendants. Former mayor Niyazi Nefi Karı, among five detained defendants, appeared before a judge for the fourth time alongside 43 other defendants. The judge ruled to extend the detention of five defendants and postponed the hearing to a later date. The session began with the defense of detained defendant Âdem Soytekin.

The Turkish Competition Authority announced that its investigation into private schools will deepen. The probe follows complaints regarding high prices for ancillary services such as food and stationery. The authority head stated that the investigation aims to produce regulatory results for the market. Over 1.2 million applications were processed, with 1,235,169 coming from Istanbul alone. Additionally, work has begun on a rental housing model designed to address high rent issues, which is expected to benefit approximately 300 sectors ranging from construction to furniture. The head of the Competition Authority told Turkish television that the agency aims to implement regulations to establish competitive conditions after detecting violations. Experts are currently working on the investigation, which may be a long-term process.

A Turkish-flagged container ship experienced a malfunction and lost control near the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul in the early hours of April 28. The ship grounded just meters from the shore, preventing a major accident. The vessel's grounding follows a previous mechanical failure in the same waterway four years ago. Bosphorus traffic has since returned to normal levels. The vessel was towed to an anchorage area by the Coast Guard. The same ship previously experienced engine failure in the Istanbul Strait in 2022. The incident was captured in a photo, though the exact nature of the proximity remains unclear. The vessel was reportedly heading toward Russia. Local authorities are monitoring the situation near the Bosphorus. A large container ship ran aground near a mansion owned by businessman Bianca Somertürk in the Istanbul Bosphorus after a steering failure.

AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik described a recent memorandum as a turning point in Turkish democratic history. Çelik stated that the Prime Ministry is seeking those responsible for issuing the memorandum. He noted that individuals involved attempted to avoid communication for 15 to 16 hours following the event. AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Hala stated that the strong will demonstrated during past political challenges underlies current successes. Deputy Chairman Faruk Hacer also issued a message regarding a firm stance against those seeking to undermine national sovereignty. Efforts are reportedly underway to accelerate judicial processes, according to the source.

Former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Melih Gökçek denied allegations that he owns villas in Akgurt. Gökçek responded to claims made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding property ownership. He stated that he does not own any villas in any location. Gökçek also mentioned that he invited Mansur Yavaş to speak with him. Speaking on a program presented by Hakan, Gökçek challenged accusers to provide proof, including the location, photographs, and title deeds of the properties. He stated that an honorable person would present such evidence rather than attempting to disgrace him. Melih Gökçek stated that he has served for 23 years and denied allegations regarding property ownership. He claimed that Mansur Yavaş has undergone 500 investigations that were subsequently dismissed in court. Gökçek further alleged that Yavaş is frequently in a state of distress.

The family of Rojvelat Kizmaz is requesting the reopening of an investigation into his death. Her body was discovered three days later in the Hasan Keyfi dam lake. The circumstances surrounding the discovery have raised murder suspicions within the family. Kizmaz, a child development graduate from Mozhur University, went missing in Batman on February 9, 2024. The family alleges the findings of the initial investigation raise suspicions of murder. Alejandra Navarro, 32, is demanding the reopening of the investigation into her brother's disappearance. Navarro stated her brother was abducted on December 9 while out for breakfast with his 14-year-old son. Armed individuals reportedly took both men in broad daylight, though the child was later released. The case involves the death of Kizmaz and is being reviewed alongside related investigations.

An appeal regarding the detention of former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Soneli has been rejected. The investigation involves a chain of allegations extending to hospital officials and the former governor. In Erzurum, former Tunceli Police Chief Yılmaz was summoned for questioning as part of the probe. The current Yalova Police Chief also testified as a witness to the prosecutor. The investigation is reportedly examining a series of allegations related to the Gülistan region. Sonel's lawyers had previously challenged his detention.

Two secret witnesses testified in the Aziz İhsan Aktaş organized crime trial at the Marmara Prison courtroom. The number of individuals who have not filed complaints in the case has reportedly risen to 14. One witness, identified as XZD, provided testimony regarding the municipal tender allegations. Witnesses testified they had no direct knowledge of the crimes and had not personally witnessed the events. The defense has characterized the use of these witnesses as a fiasco. Witnesses testified in court that they were bribed and threatened to amend their statements. The testimony highlighted a state of affairs in the ministry where dates were allegedly changed carelessly. Witnesses stated that those who opposed a specific individual would face severe punishment and share the fate of Vazal Shah. During a court hearing, Soytekin denied allegations of involvement in a bribery network.

Seventy fraud lawsuits have been filed against Yasin Örstemir after he allegedly shared his IBAN number following a request from a childhood friend. He claims a childhood friend used his accounts for scams that affected people across Turkey. According to the source, 52 files were opened and closed in his name, with 18 ongoing cases. Öğztemir stated he has been imprisoned three times and has been fighting to clear his name for six years. A resident of Adana, Yasin Öğstemir, reported being targeted by fraud after providing his phone number to a childhood friend in 2020. He discovered his bank account was being used for fraudulent purposes a month after the interaction. Örstemir reports that 70 lawsuits were filed against him, with 18 cases currently ongoing. He has been imprisoned three times over the last six years and claims he cannot find employment due to his criminal record.

Mine workers in an old city private sector mine began a protest in Ankara's Kurtuluş Park after months of unpaid wages. The source stated that a consensus was reached and salaries have now been paid. Workers at the Independent Maden İşçileri Sendikası and Doruk Madencilik company ended their protest following a meeting. Minister Bayraktar issued a warning that businesses failing to pay worker rights will face license revocations. Independent Mining Union President Gökay Çakır participated in the discussions. Former miners held demonstrations and hunger strikes in Ankara to protest against a private mining company. Protesters in Ankara are demanding changes to the current wage system, specifically regarding how pay increases are applied to public sector workers performing the same roles. The crowd includes union members, their families, and children.