Politics
Court keeps CHP mayors jailed in widening Aktaş corruption trial
A Turkish court on Friday ruled to keep 17 defendants, including several mayors from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), in pretrial detention in the high-profile case against businessperson Aziz Ihsan Aktaş, who is accused of leading a large bribery and tender-rigging network.
The interim decision was announced after the 19th hearing of the case at the Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court. Among those whose detention will continue are suspended Beşiktaş Mayor Rıza Akpolat and suspended Avcılar Mayor Utku Caner Çaykara. The court ordered the release of seven other defendants and adjourned the trial until April 20.
The case, which involves around 200 defendants, centers on allegations that Aktaş ran a criminal organization that secured lucrative municipal tenders and construction permits through bribery, particularly in municipalities governed by the CHP.
Aktaş, initially arrested in 2024, later cooperated with authorities and was released under house arrest. Prosecutors describe him as the “leader of the criminal ring” and are seeking up to 450 years in prison. Some defendants, including Akpolat, face potential sentences of more than 300 years on corruption-related charges.
According to the indictment, the network allegedly manipulated procurement processes at municipalities such as Beşiktaş and Avcılar, as well as at municipal companies linked to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, including public transportation and asphalt services.
Defense lawyers argued in the latest hearing that their clients had been detained for an extended period and that the evidence against them was insufficient, claiming the tenders were conducted in line with regulations. They requested release, citing no flight risk or risk of evidence tampering.
The trial began in January, and the court has so far heard testimony from dozens of defendants. Earlier sessions resulted in the release of several suspects, including some local officials.
The investigation into Aktaş marked the start of a broader series of corruption probes targeting CHP-run municipalities. The party has described the investigations as politically motivated and has organized public rallies calling for the release of detained officials, while the government maintains that the judiciary operates independently.
Prosecutors allege the network expanded its activities in recent years, securing numerous public contracts across Istanbul and other cities, in what they describe as a large-scale scheme that undermined public resources. The court is expected to continue examining financial records, tender documents and witness testimony in the coming hearings.
New talks on the status of the communities on Cyprus may be held soon, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signaled on Wednesday. Guterres said he would convene new talks involving the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on the divided island, as well as the three guarantor powers.
However, he gave no date for the meeting, which he announced at a brief news conference after holding a trilateral meeting with Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot President Tufan Erhürman to assess the prospects for renewed negotiations, nine years after the peace process collapsed.
“I have the consensus of both sides and the guarantors to move into a 5+1 meeting, but with adequate preparation,” he said, referring to a format involving Erhürman, Christodoulides, and representatives of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
The three countries were designated guarantor powers in 1960, when the island gained independence from Britain, and were entrusted with guaranteeing the constitutional order amid tensions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
Guterres said the timeline for the meeting was “not defined, but we are going to work together as fast … as possible.”
The outgoing U.N. chief, whose term in office ends at the end of the year, held separate meetings with both leaders on Tuesday to assess the prospects for fresh negotiations.
Decades of U.N.-backed talks have failed to resolve the island’s division, with the last major round of peace negotiations in Switzerland collapsing in July 2017.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Ankara intervened as guarantor after a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at uniting the island with Greece and amid violence against Turkish Cypriots. Today, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognized only by Türkiye, while the Greek Cypriot administration represents the island in the European Union.
Speaking before his meeting with Guterres on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s trilateral talks, Erhürman underlined that the Turkish Cypriot side remained committed to working toward a “fair and lasting” settlement while emphasizing the need for a different negotiating framework from previous rounds of talks.
“I believe you are aware of the Turkish Cypriot people’s strong commitment to a fair and lasting solution,” Erhürman said. “We are doing our best regarding confidence-building measures. Unlike the experiences of 2004 and 2017, we are now working on a new and realistic methodology that can help us achieve our common goal.”
He also expressed support for the U.N. secretary-general’s mediation efforts, saying the Turkish Cypriot side would continue to contribute to the process.
“We strongly support your efforts and welcome them. You can be assured that we will continue to do our utmost,” Erhürman told Guterres.
The TRNC advocates a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, while the Greek Cypriot side favors a federal model. Türkiye, one of the island’s guarantor states, supports the TRNC’s position.
The United Nations has led two major initiatives to resolve the Cyprus question over the past two decades. The first was the so-called Annan Plan, named after former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which was introduced in 2004. Greek Cypriots rejected the plan in a referendum, while Turkish Cypriots approved it.
In 2017, the United Nations launched the Crans-Montana process, which sought a federal solution to the dispute. That effort also failed and significantly altered the positions of Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot side. Ankara and Lefkoşa blamed the Greek Cypriot side for the collapse of the talks and shifted from their previously cautious support for a federal model to a firm stance in favor of the TRNC’s sovereignty.
Since taking office in 2024, Cuellar has sought to bridge the gap between the parties through diplomatic contacts.
Erhürman, who succeeded Ersin Tatar last year, has been viewed as less hardline than his predecessor, but he has repeatedly made it clear that he would oppose any federation proposal that ignores the rights of Turkish Cypriots. He was quoted on Sunday as saying that they were ready for “a new process” following Guterres’ visit.
Erhürman also stressed that, as in the past, they would consult with Türkiye before moving forward with any new initiative aimed at resolving the dispute.
Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) is facing renewed controversy after prosecutors launched an investigation into allegations that paid extras were recruited through casting agencies to attend a recent membership ceremony led by party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened the inquiry following claims that hundreds of participants were paid TL 950 (around $20) to attend the event, where they were allegedly instructed to chant slogans and applaud.
The allegations emerged as the CHP continues to grapple with internal turmoil following a court ruling that reinstated Kılıçdaroğlu as party leader and prompted the departure of 91 lawmakers aligned with former leader Özgür Özel.
CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Gürsel Tekin described the claims as a “setup” and said those responsible would be held accountable if wrongdoing was established.
The allegations also revived scrutiny over several previous incidents involving individuals presented at CHP events or in campaign-related material as ordinary citizens. Critics have questioned whether some participants had undisclosed political affiliations or professional acting backgrounds.
Turkish TV channel AHaber further compiled a timeline of the CHP’s past “casting” controversies, identifying the individuals as actors or party members.
In the case involving the alleged “mufti’s wife,” it was later revealed that Gül Taşlı Cenal’s husband was not a mufti but Faruk Cenal, the former CHP district chair in Burhaniye. She was also identified as a CHP member and a bar owner.
A headscarf-wearing woman known as “Neşe Abla,” who told CHP politician Mustafa Balbay, “I will never vote for the AK Party again,” drew attention after viewers questioned the authenticity of her words and gestures, fueling debate over whether she was portraying an ordinary citizen.
Village head Hanife Çakmak, who received a CHP membership badge from Kılıçdaroğlu, later said, “They told us they would take us out for a meal. I didn’t know I would receive a party badge. I am not, and have never been, a CHP member.”
A woman named Zeynep, who addressed reporters outside the Turkish Parliament by saying, “I am just a farmer’s daughter, nothing more,” was later reported to be registered with a casting agency and to be an actor.
Emine Polat, who appeared in campaign material as a headscarf-wearing ordinary citizen expressing support for Ekrem Imamoğlu, was later identified as a CHP municipal council member in Esenyurt.
Umut Daştan, who said, “I voted for Binali Yıldırım in the last election. This time I will vote for Imamoğlu,” was later identified as a CHP municipal council member in Kartal.
Ersoy Ersoy, the farmer who told Özgür Özel during a rally in Yozgat, “We have nothing left,” was also later reported to have ties to CHP circles.
Türkiye on Wednesday welcomed U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ efforts to advance dialogue on Cyprus, saying recent initiatives could help build confidence despite the absence of common ground between the island’s divided sides.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said Ankara appreciated Guterres’ engagement on the Cyprus issue since taking office, following the U.N. chief’s trilateral meeting with the island’s leaders.
Keçeli said Türkiye believes the process launched by Guterres in 2025, which focuses on advancing cooperation in practical areas, can contribute to confidence-building while broader political differences remain unresolved.
He reiterated Ankara’s position that decades of previous settlement models have been exhausted and argued that a lasting solution would remain out of reach unless the Greek Cypriot side changes what Türkiye described as its uncompromising stance.
Keçeli also reaffirmed Türkiye’s longstanding support for a settlement based on the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of Turkish Cypriots, adding that Ankara’s backing for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Turkish Cypriot community remains unchanged.
On Tuesday, before the meeting with TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting dialogue between the island’s Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, while stressing that any lasting settlement would also require the involvement of Cyprus’ guarantor powers.
“We are determined to do everything possible to support the two communities in their search for a solution,” Guterres stressed. “We recognize that a solution also depends on the contribution of the guarantor countries. For that reason, we attach great importance to every effort that strengthens the well-being of the two communities and their commitment to reaching a settlement.”
The U.N. chief said there were important opportunities ahead and pledged continued support for initiatives that could move the process forward.
A framework law that will advance the terror-free Türkiye initiative to disarm the terrorist group PKK will be before the parliament soon. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructed the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to conclude the work on the bill before lawmakers begin a two-month recess on July 31.
Erdoğan delivered key messages on the initiative during the AK Party’s Central Executive Board meeting on Monday.
Emphasizing that the process is being carried out through the determined cooperation of the People’s Alliance of the AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Erdoğan reportedly said, “No one but us can accomplish this. Let’s complete it before Parliament goes into recess. That way, we will have fully resolved a major issue.”
Against this backdrop, attention has turned to the Parliament. Although Parliament is scheduled to begin its summer recess on July 31, its work is expected to be extended until Aug. 14 due to a busy legislative agenda. Before the recess, lawmakers are expected to take up a framework bill related to the initiative.
The parliament will first debate the bill amending the Higher Education Law and several other laws. This will be followed by legislation introducing new regulations concerning children involved in judicial proceedings. Another item on Parliament’s agenda will be a bill approving the hosting and implementation agreement for COP31.
Following these proposals, lawmakers are expected to consider the framework legislation that will establish the legal basis for the initiative.
According to information obtained, the framework bill will consist of approximately 10 articles. The legislation will regulate the legal process concerning members of terrorist organizations. Sources said the draft does not include any provision amounting to a general amnesty for PKK members. Instead, it is expected to contain provisions introducing a controlled or supervised sentence execution mechanism.
Türkiye and Iraq agreed on Tuesday to deepen cooperation across security, energy, defense, trade and infrastructure, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan saying the two neighbors are committed to building a region defined by stability and development rather than conflict while pursuing a comprehensive new energy partnership.
Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held talks at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where they signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening regional stability.
At a joint news conference following the meeting, Erdoğan said Türkiye and Iraq remain in close coordination on counterterrorism efforts under Ankara’s Terror-Free Türkiye initiative, expressing confidence that both countries can permanently eliminate a security challenge that has imposed a high cost on their peoples.
“We are striving for our region to be known not for war, terrorism and conflict, but for development, prosperity, peace and stability,” Erdoğan said.
The Turkish president said discussions covered regional developments, including Iran, Syria and Palestine, while reaffirming Ankara’s readiness to support Iraq “in every field it needs.” Erdoğan also said Ankara and Baghdad shared largely similar views on regional developments, praising Iraq’s efforts to preserve its unity and stability while highlighting Baghdad’s sensitivity toward Iraqi Turkmens, whom he described as an indispensable part of Syria’s social fabric and a key pillar of the longstanding brotherhood between the two nations.
Erdoğan also said Türkiye is prepared to supply Iraq with defense industry products as the two countries expand security cooperation amid regional tensions.
Economic cooperation featured prominently during the talks, with Erdoğan describing the Development Road Project – which aims to connect the Gulf region to global markets through Iraq – as more important than ever under current geopolitical conditions. He said he welcomed al-Zaidi’s strong commitment to advancing the strategic transport corridor.
Energy emerged as another key pillar of the partnership. Erdoğan noted that the Iraq-Türkiye Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement expired on Monday and said Ankara’s priority is to conclude a comprehensive energy cooperation agreement that will benefit both countries as soon as possible.
He also described a new agreement signed Tuesday on cooperation involving Turkish Petroleum in production fields as “a historic step” for bilateral energy ties.
Beyond energy and security, Erdoğan said Türkiye and Iraq are determined to strengthen cooperation on sustainable water management, emphasizing that Ankara views water as an area for long-term cooperation based on scientific, rational and humanitarian principles.
The Turkish president added that both sides aim to significantly increase bilateral trade and welcomed the participation of Iraqi and Turkish business leaders, contractors and investors in meetings held alongside the official visit.
Ankara visit aims to deepen centuries-old ties with Türkiye: Iraqi PM
For his part, al-Zaidi said that his visit to Ankara was aimed at strengthening the longstanding ties between Iraq and Türkiye rather than fulfilling a diplomatic protocol, emphasizing the two countries’ commitment to deeper cooperation.
“Our visit is not merely a matter of protocol, but a sign of strengthening relations that date back centuries,” al-Zaidi said.
He noted that Iraq seeks “a partnership based on brotherhood,” adding that the two countries are working in particular on the Development Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative intended to connect the Gulf with global markets through Iraq.
“Geography has naturally given us two rivers. Now we want a third river. Let this be a river of economy, and that, of course, is the Development Road,” al-Zaidi said, describing the project as a symbol of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Al-Zaidi arrived in Ankara on Tuesday for his inaugural visit at the invitation of President Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday.
Al-Zaidi was received at the airport by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and was welcomed by Erdoğan in an official ceremony at the presidential complex later in the day.
This is the first visit to Türkiye by the young prime minister since he took office in May.
Sinem Dedetaş, who was elected mayor of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district for the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in 2024, joined the growing list of mayors detained in corruption investigations on Wednesday.
Dedetaş is among six suspects facing allegations of bribery, corruption, and operating a criminal network. The other suspects are municipal officials. In a written statement, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Istanbul’s Asian side, where Üsküdar is located, said the detentions stemmed from an investigation launched following tipoffs and expanded through the testimony of alleged victims of corruption as well as suspects who cooperated with authorities.
Prosecutors allege that Kent A.Ş., a municipal subsidiary with no legal authority over the issuance of building permits, was nevertheless involved in the permitting process. According to the investigation, its staff established a secret communication network in which land parcels and buildings requiring permits were color-coded to coordinate the process.
According to the statement, records from Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) showed that Kent A.Ş. and contractors signed numerous sham “consultancy services” agreements totaling more than TL 1 million. Through these agreements, prosecutors allege that more than TL 361 million was unlawfully obtained from contractors who were coerced into making payments in exchange for building permits as part of the activities of an organized criminal group operating within Üsküdar Municipality and Kent A.Ş. The statement said these findings were supported by testimony from affected contractors and reports by the Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanization.
The statement further said that a referral report prepared by inspectors from the Ministry of Interior concluded that Dedetaş played a decisive role in establishing an organizational link between Üsküdar Municipality and Kent A.Ş. that went beyond the normal relationship between a municipality and its subsidiary. According to the report, contractors were allegedly forced to sign sham agreements with Kent A.Ş. as a prerequisite for obtaining building permits, thereby generating unofficial income.
The statement also alleged that Dedetaş’s involvement in delaying procedures and contributing to pressure on contractors constituted the criminal offense of extortion by a public official. It added that responsibility for issuing occupancy permits rested with the Üsküdar Municipality Building Control Directorate.
According to prosecutors, meetings chaired by Kent A.Ş. General Manager N.A. were held to determine how much money would be demanded from contractors in exchange for occupancy permits, depending on the nature of each building’s regulatory violations. Prosecutors allege that part of the bribe money was distributed among municipal personnel according to their positions and authority, while another portion was delivered in cash to N.A. to cover expenses requested by Dedetaş’s office.
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