The Presidential Cabinet convened under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The meeting at the Presidential Complex started at 16.24.

The most important topic of the meeting chaired by President Erdoğan will be the Terror-Free Türkiye target.

In the process of Türkiye without terrorism, all eyes are now on legal regulation. The current stage of the regulation, which is planned to be enacted before the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) goes into recess, will be discussed at the cabinet meeting. Comprehensive evaluations will be made regarding the contacts and studies carried out in this context.

THE TENSION BETWEEN THE USA AND IRAN WILL ALSO BE ON THE TABLE

In foreign policy, the ongoing tension between the USA and Iran in the Middle East will be on the agenda of the cabinet. Ankara, which has been striving for permanent peace in the region since the beginning, is following the developments closely. At the meeting, diplomatic initiatives to reach a new agreement on the Washington-Tehran line will be evaluated.

THE ECONOMY PROGRAM AND THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE MARKETS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.

Developments in the Middle East, and especially the Hormuz crisis, continue to have a negative impact on the global economy and trade. At the cabinet meeting, actions to be taken against these effects that trigger inflation will be on the table. The economic program implemented within the framework of the Medium Term Program and the 12th Development Plan and the latest situation in the markets will be discussed.

Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran, in his speech at the closing of the 2nd Communication Council held at the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, stated that they held consultations with broad participation and on a solid basis, in the process where they took the first step with the Communication Council Preparatory Workshop on January 8-9, 2025.

Stating that they completed the Council, which they crowned yesterday with the attendance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with today’s sessions, Duran said that they meticulously discussed every topic of communication, especially public diplomacy, strategic communication, security, crisis management, media policies and digital transformation.

In his speech, Duran also announced the Final Declaration of the 2nd Communication Council.

Emphasizing that a joint strategic communication working group should be established under the coordination of the Directorate of Communications, and the authority, responsibility and approval processes to be used in crisis periods should be determined in advance, Duran continued his words as follows:

“Fundamental principles such as proactivity, consistency and transparency should be taken as basis in the context of combating hybrid threats and international crises. Data-based content production should be the basis in the strategic communication narrative and artificial intelligence technologies should be used safely and effectively in analysis processes. International students in Türkiye should be accepted as communication ambassadors. A system that will create an international reference in the field of strategic communication should be developed, global academic collaborations and the visibility of Turkish academic publications should be supported. Political communication studies should be carried out based on data, sociological changes and transformations should be taken into account, possible crises should be prevented.” In order to manage effectively, a strategic and proactive approach should be adopted. The opportunities brought by the digitalization process in the field of political communication should be evaluated and measures should be taken against risks and threats.

HARMONY WITH TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

Director of Communications Duran stated that for an effective public diplomacy strategy, it is necessary to establish strong collaborations between the public, private sector, local governments and civil society, develop effective narrative strategies and ensure the harmony of activities with Turkish foreign policy.

Pointing out that public diplomacy activities should be designed to be impact-oriented and network-based, Duran said:

“Türkiye’s international broadcasting potential should be developed and strengthened. Soft power elements such as cultural, sports, scientific and humanitarian activities should be handled with a multilingual narrative strategy on a periodic and thematic basis. Mechanisms should be established to systematically measure the impact of public diplomacy activities through artificial intelligence and new media technologies. Branding efforts should be increased by developing strategies to strengthen Turkey’s brand, these studies should be transformed into a country branding strategy document and an action plan should be created.”

JOURNALISM AND FIGHTING DISINFORMATION

Duran stated that the awareness of media members against disinformation should be increased with training programs that benefit from the experience of the Center for Combating Disinformation.

Emphasizing that training programs on the conscious, safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence should be developed and disseminated to include media literacy, digital literacy, verification processes, the fight against disinformation, copyrights and digital ethics, Duran made the following evaluations:

“Verification mechanisms should be strengthened in news and content production processes. Cooperation between universities, public institutions, private sector and relevant stakeholders should be strengthened for the development of local and national artificial intelligence technologies, and the Turkey Media Database should be created. Digital disaster scenarios should be prepared at the national level against digital crises, cyber threats, information pollution and similar digital risks and should be updated regularly. Professional and institutional support mechanisms should be developed to strengthen field journalism. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence applications should be implemented in line with the basic principles of journalism: accuracy, on-site observation, source diversity and public interest. News production should be free from the pressure of clicks and popularity, and qualified journalism should be supported. Legislative arrangements regarding the legal status of freelance media workers should be made. Standards such as audio description, sign language, subtitling and ergonomic web designs should be adopted to increase the access of disabled individuals to media content. Legal regulations, social awareness campaigns and technological solutions should be developed in television broadcasts, away from ratings concerns. “Incentive mechanisms should be developed to increase the number of qualified content that respects ethical values and is compatible with our national identity. Projects that promote Türkiye’s cultural richness, history and identity should be increased, and Turkey should tell its own story with the content it produces.”

“DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY”

Presidential Communications Director Duran stated that professional terminology in the field of public relations and corporate communication should be standardized and the widespread use of common concepts and term sets should be encouraged.

Explaining that public relations should be effectively included in the decision-making processes as one of the strategic management functions of institutions, Burhanettin Duran said:

“While digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications are being disseminated to ensure efficiency in public relations processes, the human-oriented communication approach should be preserved. University-public-private sector collaborations should be institutionalized in order to develop qualified human resources in the field of public relations. Türkiye’s digital transformation process should be carried out within the framework of a holistic national strategy with clearly defined stakeholders and task distribution, in which the public, academia, private sector and civil society assume joint responsibility. Communication law should be harmonized with digital transformation with the cooperation of state institutions, judiciary, academia, media and technology sector. Personality “The ‘right to be forgotten’ should be provided with a clear and applicable legal framework by considering the balance between human rights, freedom of expression and public interest. Digital parenting should be strengthened and children should have access to safe digital experiences appropriate to their age. Safe content policies and digital media literacy for children should be disseminated. Regulatory frameworks based on transparency, accountability and protection of individual rights in the development and use of artificial intelligence and digital platforms should be prepared. A national strategy document for individuals and society in the digital age should be prepared and continuous evaluation and coordination mechanisms should be established.”

CRISIS COMMUNICATION

Duran stated that the central role of the TAMP Communication Group should be strengthened in official information processes during disaster and crisis periods in accordance with the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan (TAMP).

Duran explained that TAMP Communication Group should have a platform where they will be in constant coordination with each other in a structure similar to the Disaster Communication Advisory Board, which includes representatives of relevant institutions, and said:

“The teams that manage the disaster and the teams that manage the disaster communication should be separated from each other. Mechanisms to prevent disinformation that occurs during disaster periods should be established before the crisis; preventive measures should be developed. The disaster broadcasting standard should be updated and it should be ensured that media platforms include only competent and accredited people in crisis periods. Proactive administrative and legal measures should be implemented without compromise against lynching culture, perception operations and manipulation activities that threaten social solidarity during disaster periods. In times of crisis, the pressure to be the first to share in digital and conventional media should be “The standard of institutional confirmation mechanisms in counter-broadcasting should be made a mandatory professional rule. Face-to-face disaster awareness activities should be increased in risky regions where digital access is limited, and alternative communication channels (announcement systems, local radios) for these regions should be planned before the disaster. Disaster Journalism Accreditation and Training Programs should be implemented to ensure that journalists and content producers working in disaster areas protect the traumatic situations and privacy of disaster victims.”

Director of Communications Duran stated that internship programs for communication faculty students, where they can spend their final semesters in the sector, should be expanded and employment opportunities for graduates in the public sector should be improved.

Duran said that the faculty of communication curriculum should be updated according to digitalization and media literacy should be made a basic and compulsory course for all university programs.

CINEMA, SERIES, MOVIE

Duran explained that the development of a cinema policy appropriate to changing technological-sociological conditions and the increase of national cinema platforms should be encouraged for the purpose of research, archiving, restoration and sectoral data sharing, and said:

“Co-productions, film fairs and sectoral collaborations should be supported for the internationalization of the film and cinema industry. Against international content monopolization and cultural hegemony, a comprehensive Communication Strategy Document based on local and national values should be prepared in line with the goal of the Turkey Century. Film, TV series, animation and documentary productions that establish a stronger bond with the audience, have natural and original storytelling, and reflect cultural heritage, family values and social memory should be encouraged. By encouraging the establishment of large TV series and film plateaus in the target provinces, the plateaus will be used in regional tourism.” “Incentives for contributions should be increased. Finally, a map of Türkiye’s current communication field should be prepared and the Communication Council should be organized periodically within the framework of different themes. I hope that the Communication Council Conclusion Declaration, which includes ideas, determinations and proposals on all dimensions of communication, will be beneficial. I would like to express that we will pay attention to each article and strive to implement these articles immediately.”

Duran thanked the academics, communication and media professionals, experts and colleagues who devoted their time and effort to the Council.

An operation was carried out by the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Üsküdar Municipality on charges of “Bribery”, “Extortion” and “Establishing a Organization”. 6 people, including Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, her Deputy Ceyhun Ünlü and her Private Secretary Alihan Koçoğlu, were detained. MASAK, contractors and municipal subsidiary Kent A.Ş. It was determined that a front consultancy contract worth 1 billion 78 million lira was signed between the companies and more than 361 million lira was collected. During the operation, Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, Deputy Mayor Ceyhun Ünlü, Private Secretary Alihan Koçoğlu, Architect Burçin Çevik, business follower Adem Altıntaş and contractor Bülent Orhan Tozkoparan were detained.

LICENSE PROCESSES WERE MANAGED WITH CRYPTO MAIL AND EXCEL

Kent A.Ş., which has no official authority. It was determined that its employees directed the licensing processes through an encrypted e-mail system and color-coded Excel tables. It was claimed that in projects with high construction volume, the bribe tariff was determined in dollars, some of the money collected was distributed to the personnel, and some was delivered to Akkoyunlu in line with the needs of the Private Secretary. In the first two waves of the investigation, 16 people, including Vice President Filiz Deveci and Nazım Akkoyunlu, were arrested.

COLORFUL PASSWORD OF THE BRIBERY NETWORK

One of the suspects who testified within the scope of the investigation deciphered the color-coded table prepared regarding the bribery negotiations between contractors and municipal officials in the district. According to the coloring table, it was determined that the build files were classified with different colors and each color contained a separate instruction regarding the process to be followed.

Accordingly, it was determined that the structures marked in blue represent the files in which an agreement has been reached with the contractors and the transactions need to be carried out. It was evaluated that the files marked in red indicate structures whose transactions should be stopped because an agreement could not be reached between the parties.

It was determined that the structures marked in green indicate that no meetings have been held with the relevant people yet and therefore the transactions should not be progressed.

In the statement made by the Directorate of Communications, it was stated that significant results were obtained in the studies on terrorist propaganda and disinformation activities in the digital field.

In the statement, it was noted that 3,679 of the access blocked accounts were determined to be linked to FETO and FETO-affiliated structures, and it was emphasized that legal and administrative procedures were completed and access blocking decisions were implemented, with the coordination of the relevant institutions, for 2,965 accounts that were found to be praising terrorism, encouraging terrorism, spreading disinformation, and carrying out psychological operation activities against Turkey.

THE MOST ACCESS BARRIERS ARE ON THE X PLATFORM

In the statement, it was stated that in the distribution of access blocked accounts according to platforms in the 7-month period, X took the first place, followed by Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Spotify.

The statement pointed out that terrorist organizations and organized disinformation networks aim to manipulate public opinion, influence social perception and create information pollution during crisis periods, especially by using platforms with high interaction potential.

“The coordination mechanism is not limited to interfering with illegal content. Trend topic (TT) lists, hashtag campaigns, coordinated sharing networks and bot account movements created on social media platforms are also monitored in real time with advanced digital analysis methods. While artificial agenda studies created for the purpose of psychological operations are detected in a short time, the source and spread model of the campaigns are revealed through digital network analysis. With the technical and legal processes carried out simultaneously by the relevant institutions, coordinated influence operations are prevented from reaching large masses.

Security sources state that digital platforms have now become an arena of struggle that directly concerns not only the field of communication but also national security. It is stated that technical analysis, judicial process and access measures are operated in harmony from a single center with the work carried out by the institutions, thus not only individual accounts but also organized digital networks are detected and neutralized. “Access block data on 6,644 accounts that emerged in the last 7 months reveals that Türkiye has implemented a multi-layered and coordinated fight model in the cyber homeland against terrorist propaganda, disinformation and psychological operations activities.”

Within the scope of the “Criminal Organization of Friends” investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Istanbul Provincial Police Department teams took action for the fourth wave operation in the morning. 13 suspects were caught and detained in the operation carried out in line with the evidence obtained in the investigation file. It was stated that the investigation was carried out under four main headings: transactions related to housing and container purchases, real estate transfers, circulation of checks issued by the association, and financial and commercial relations considered to be linked to Haluk Levent.

4th wave in the AHBAP investigation: 13 suspects detained | Video

MONEY TRANSFERRED FOR HOUSING AND CONTAINER

Proceedings were initiated against the officials of the companies that were deemed to have not completed the promised houses, even though the Buddy Association made an agreement for the construction of houses in 2023 and transferred a significant amount of money from donations. In this context, Azim Yol İnşaat A.Ş. official Ayhan Demir, Pegas Global A.Ş. official Nejdet Kuy, Hamle İnşaat A.Ş. Officials Murat Yaren and Ayhan Çevik were among the names detained within the scope of the operation. It was also reported that it was determined that containers were purchased from Pegas Global A.Ş. on behalf of the association, and that proceedings were initiated against Ahbap Association Purchasing Manager Deniz Şimşek due to his role in the purchasing, payment and supply processes.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS ARE BEING EXAMINED

It was determined that a large number of real estates were transferred sequentially to the suspect Yeliz Kaya by some companies and individuals. In the examinations carried out, Başaran Holding A.Ş. by 22, Power İnşaat A.Ş. 10 by Koçsu Yapı A.Ş. It was determined that 17 properties were transferred to Yeliz Kaya by Orhan İnan and 10 by Orhan İnan. Within the scope of these transactions, Başaran Holding A.Ş. owner Hüseyin Başaran, Power İnşaat A.Ş. officials Recep Demir and Emre Saral, Koçsu Yapı A.Ş. Action was taken against officials Faruk Koç and Orhan İnan.

ASSOCIATION CHECKS ARE ALSO IN INVESTIGATION

The circulation and collection processes of some checks issued by the Friends Association were also included in the investigation file. In this context, proceedings were initiated against Sibel Kaya, who was determined to be the last endorser of the checks, and Muhammed Ali Yılmaz, an official of Mays Group.

HALUK LEVENT TITLE

Within the scope of the investigation, proceedings were also initiated against Ali Demirhan, whose financial and commercial relationship with Haluk Levent was considered to be suspicious.

13 DETENTION

Within the scope of the investigation, the suspects are Azim Yol İnşaat A.Ş. official Ayhan Demir, Pegas Global A.Ş. official Nejdet Kuy, Hamle İnşaat A.Ş. officials Murat Yaren and Ayhan Çevik, Başaran Holding A.Ş. owner Hüseyin Başaran, Power İnşaat A.Ş. officials Recep Demir and Emre Saral, Koçsu Yapı A.Ş. officials Faruk Koç, Orhan İnan, Sibel Kaya, the last endorser of the checks issued by the association, Mays Group official Muhammed Ali Yılmaz, Ali Demirhan and Ahbap Association Purchasing Manager Deniz Şimşek were detained.

BAŞARAN HOLDİNG’S PLACE IN THE INVESTIGATION

Within the scope of the Friendship Association Investigation; He applied to the Gaziosmanpaşa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office with the complaint that Hüseyin Başaran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Başaran Holding, was defrauded by Haluk Levent. Allegedly, Haluk Levent, who came to the office, wanted to buy “the real estate owned by the Başaran group in order to build dormitories for orphaned girls studying at the university” on behalf of the Ahbap association.

THE PROPERTIES WERE TRANSFERRED BUT THERE IS NO MONEY

Hüseyin Başaran wanted to support orphan girls to start their lives due to the deep spiritual sensitivity he experienced after losing his daughter in a plane crash in 2018. Haluk Levent transferred 22 properties worth $60 million to Başaran’s assistant Yeliz Kaya. Başaran filed a criminal complaint to the prosecutor’s office, claiming that the money was not paid to him and that these real estates were not used for the stated purpose.

Within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the digital materials of the detained former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel were examined. During the investigations, the correspondence between Sonel and dismissed police officer Gökhan Ertok, who was detained within the scope of the investigation, was evaluated within the scope of the crimes of destroying, hiding or altering criminal evidence, unlawful seizure of personal data, deprivation of liberty, intentional injury, plunder and destruction or alteration of data in the information system.

In this context, suspects EE and SK were detained in a simultaneous operation in Ankara on July 23. Following the allegations in question, former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel, protection police officer Şükrü Eroğlu, and retired police officer Gökhan Ertok were taken from the prison where they were detained and brought to Erzurum City Hospital for a health check. Sonel, Eroğlu and Ertok were brought to Erzurum Courthouse, under intense security measures, to have their statements taken in the investigation. Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office made a statement about the investigation. In the statement made by the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on the subject, the following was noted: “During the technical examinations made on the digital materials of the suspect Tuncay Sonel, photographs, correspondence and concrete facts that constitute incidental evidence that touch on an illegal relationship network in which public power is abused and various crimes in the Turkish Penal Code were found. In line with the evidence obtained, a simultaneous operation was organized in Ankara today against a total of 5 suspects, 3 of whom are considered to be connected to the incident and who are still detained within the scope of the file, and who are not in prison.” “Two target suspects were caught and taken into custody.”