According to the breaking news; Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc. An investigation was launched upon the allegation that Deputy General Manager Erhan Karaal was kidnapped by unidentified persons.

Breaking News: İBB Kültür A.Ş Deputy General Manager Erhan Karaal was kidnapped! Statement from the Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office | Video

In the written statement made by the Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it was stated that “Upon receiving information that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc. Deputy General Manager Erhan KARAAL was kidnapped by unidentified persons in Maltepe district of our city on June 17, 2026, the necessary instructions were given to the law enforcement to find the victim and capture the suspects, and the investigation continues meticulously.”

ERHAN KARAAL’S PLACE IN THE INDICTMENT

Kültür A.Ş. Financial Affairs Manager Erhan Karaal, who is included in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality indictment as a member of the organization, is held responsible for 12 actions. In the first of these actions, it was explained that the main tender was awarded to Kültür A.Ş. for 3 million 100 thousand liras and this money entered the coffers of IMM. It was determined that after receiving the job, Kültür A.Ş. illegally gave it to another company called Elis Dış Ticaret for 4 million 200 thousand liras. Erhan Karaal is among the names that caused the 1 million 100 thousand public losses that entered the IMM’s coffers.

HE TOOK A PARTY IN PUBLIC DAMAGES OF 1 BILLION 571 MILLION

490 million 996 thousand liras, 308 million 95 thousand liras, 296 million 404 thousand liras, 252 million 534 thousand liras, 86 million 159 thousand liras, 53 million 572 thousand liras, 27 million, 18 million 784 thousand liras and 36 million liras due to the irregular tender made in the actions in which Karaal took part. It is stated that 606 thousand liras of public damage occurred. The total public loss from the actions in which Karaal took part is 1 billion 571 million 250 thousand liras.

Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Science Dissemination Foundation, who came to Ağrı to participate in various programs, spoke at the “Non-Governmental Organizations Meeting” organized by the Science Dissemination Foundation at İbrahim Çeçen University Selçuklu Conference Hall.

Stating that Türkiye’s educational infrastructure has strengthened significantly in the last 23 years, Erdoğan said that the successes achieved in international evaluation programs are the most concrete indicator of this.

Erdoğan stated that when the countries that are successful in education in the world are examined, Türkiye does not have any deficiencies in terms of physical infrastructure and said, “The investments made in education in the last 23 years have yielded their fruits. Turkey has shown an increase in international evaluations such as TIMSS and PISA every period. Today, we have become a country that is in the top 5 in some fields, in the top 7 and in the top 10 in some areas.” he said.

Stating that the number of classrooms, which was approximately 300 thousand 23 years ago, has reached 750 thousand today, Erdoğan stated that the number of teachers has more than doubled, the number of students in the classrooms has decreased and there is smart board and internet access in every classroom.

“EDUCATION IS NOT LIMITED TO THE BORDERS OF THE SCHOOL”

Emphasizing that education is not a process that only takes place in the school environment, Erdoğan said that the family, non-governmental organizations and all segments of society have important duties in raising a child.

Explaining that, as the Knowledge Dissemination Foundation, they have been carrying out studies to support education administrators and teachers since 2011, Erdoğan stated that sports activities, cultural events and quiz competitions are complementary to the development of children.
Stating that parent-teacher associations should support educational processes instead of conflicting with school administration and teachers, Erdoğan noted that it is of great importance for motivation for teachers, whose number has reached 1 million 100 thousand, to feel that their work is valued.

“VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SHOULD BE STRONGER”

Pointing out that the business world is experiencing various problems regarding the practical experience of university graduates, Erdogan said that some employers had to retrain new graduates.

Stating that universities should adapt to this change, Erdoğan stated that vocational education gaining more emphasis in the high school period will have important results in terms of production.

Stating that universities are experiencing a significant transformation in the field of research and development, Erdoğan said that TÜBİTAK supports, industrial collaborations and technoparks are important elements of this process.

CONTRIBUTION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO Türkiye

Stating that more than 350 thousand international students are studying in Türkiye, Erdoğan stated that these students make significant contributions to both the economy and Türkiye’s international relations.

Stating that international students spend an average of 5 thousand dollars annually, Erdoğan said that this contributes approximately 4 billion dollars to the Turkish economy.

Emphasizing that Türkiye has the potential to attract many more international students with its current university capacity, Erdoğan stated that students who complete their education and return to their countries have become volunteer ambassadors of Türkiye.

“Türkiye HAS TO BE STRONG”

Stating that the resources Türkiye has allocated to research and development have increased significantly in the last 23 years, Erdoğan said that the technological achievements achieved in the defense industry have begun to be seen in different areas.

Stating that the Turkish economy has reached a size of 1.6 trillion dollars today and is the 11th largest economy in the world according to purchasing power parity, Erdoğan stated that the national income per capita has increased to the level of 20 thousand dollars.

Emphasizing that Türkiye is one of the most important countries in the world not only with its economic power but also with its geopolitical location, Erdoğan drew attention to the importance of being a strong country and acting in unity.

Stating that they wish to develop cooperation with neighboring countries on the basis of good relations, mutual trust and trade, Erdoğan said that Türkiye will continue to support stability and good neighborly relations in its region.

“CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE REJUVENATED”

Stating that the rejuvenation of non-governmental organizations is one of the most important agendas, Erdoğan stated that young people should also be included in the management of organizations that carry out activities for young people.

Stating that young people’s presence in decision-making mechanisms along with experienced names will make the work more effective, Erdoğan invited young people to participate in volunteering activities and get to know non-governmental organizations more closely.

Stating that foundations and associations operating for young people should make their work more visible, Erdoğan added that many young people think that these organizations are closed to them, but a significant part of them operate openly to all segments of society.

According to the statement made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Çiftçi met with some AK Party deputies at the Gölbaşı Provincial House under the coordination of AK Party Group Deputy Chairman and Çankırı Deputy Muhammet Emin Akbaşoğlu.

Speaking here, Çiftçi gave information about the activities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Çiftçi stated that the new generation organized crime organizations that have emerged recently give themselves nicknames inspired by cartoon characters and operate under them.

Stating that the criminal organizations in question use the internet intensively and place their advertisements on this medium, Çiftçi said, “They also use digital platforms for their criminal income and recruit employees through social media. Organizational ties outside the top management are quite weak. They can hire personnel for an activity. They do not have a center as it is known. They do not feel bound to any rules such as ethics, principles, ‘racon’, morality. Their average age is quite low, and they have goals such as getting rich quickly.” he said.

Referring to the structural characteristics of these criminal organizations, Çiftçi said, “They choose people to carry out their actions from among people with weak family ties, a criminal past, and generally low education. Their dressing and lifestyles have changed. They are seeking advertising and ostentation. Their action styles have changed. They find disposable men and carry out protests with their help. They have a practice of using foreign GSM lines. They quickly make enemies. Sometimes they may conflict with each other.” he said.

Minister Çiftçi underlined that follow-up efforts to identify the sources of income and finance obtained from crime in order to end the existence of criminal organizations continue at full speed.

Stating that 836 operations were carried out against 337 organized crime groups last year, Çiftçi continued as follows:

“The numbers appear this way because sometimes more than one operation is carried out in a criminal organization gang. Between January 1 and May 31, we carried out 952 operations against 382 organized crime gangs.”

Farmer, who also shared data on the fight against smuggling, pointed out that 3 billion 32 million liras of tax loss was prevented as a result of the operations carried out this year.

FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

Çiftçi stated that operations have increased this year within the scope of the fight against drugs and said, “As a result of 22 thousand 25 operations, we see that 19 thousand 904 detainees and 9 thousand 540 people were released with judicial control records. Currently, there are approximately 300 thousand convicts in prison. Almost 1 in 3 of them consists of those who were convicted for drugs and drug crimes.” he said.

Stating that 17.3 tons of drugs, 63 million drug pills and 14.7 million cannabis root and skunk were seized in the 5-month period of last year, Çiftçi said that 20.2 tons of drugs and 69 million pills were seized this year.

Çiftçi pointed out that the fight against drugs is multi-dimensional and said:

“To prevent this, all units of our ministries continue to work determinedly. This is not a struggle that can be achieved only by the struggle of law enforcement forces. There are duties that fall on families, there are duties that fall on non-governmental organizations, there are tasks that other institutions of the state need to do. We evaluate that this can be achieved as a result of an all-out struggle. As a result of the training, awareness-raising and awareness activities carried out by our law enforcement forces on this issue, 3 million people have been reached this year, and a total of 37 million citizens have been reached so far in all education and prevention projects.”

‘OUR COPS ARE WORKING DAY AND NIGHT’

Explaining the details of the moment of the incident, Karaal said, “My friend took the license plate of the vehicle and reported the characteristics of the vehicle to the police. Police teams found the vehicle in a short time. However, they were informed that the vehicle had not been used for three days and probably had twin license plates. This vehicle was not a vehicle we saw regularly on the street. Therefore, I think my wife was being followed and the incident was a planned organization. They hit my wife on the shoulder and said ‘Bend your head’. Then they threw a crow pump into the vehicle. Nothing was put on her head. As far as I can see, they hit her head and directly hit the vehicle.” “My friend, who witnessed the incident, saw the two people clearly and shared their descriptions with the police. I have not heard from my wife since 21:00 yesterday. I am calling all authorities.”

“In the Republic of Turkey, no person should be kidnapped in this way, in front of their family, children and neighbors. I want my wife to be found as soon as possible. I will wait at the police station until she is found. Our police officers work day and night, they all continue their search. I am waiting for the good news from them. I do not know why such a thing happened. I met with his old and new colleagues and managers. The common opinion of all of them is that Erhan is an honest and principled person. They say that he will never sign an issue that is against the interests of the institution. My wife and I are 20 years old. “I have been married for years. I have never heard a bad word. He is extremely respectful towards his children, friends and neighbors. We do not owe money to anyone or have any problems. My wife does not gamble, does not drink alcohol and does not smoke. We are a family that goes from work to home and from home to work.”

At the hearing held by the Istanbul 1st High Criminal Court in the hall opposite the Marmara Closed Penal Institution, the defenses of some defendants and their lawyers were taken against the public prosecutor’s opinion on the merits.

Oya Tekin, who made her defense at the hearing and was suspended from her post as Seyhan Mayor after her arrest, reminded Aziz İhsan Aktaş’s statement on May 11, 2025, within the scope of effective regret.

Regarding Aktaş’s statement that she met with her husband, the defendant Celal Tekin, on her behalf, Tekin said, “Now I am asking about my interest in this incident. How did I give the authority to represent, on what basis and to whom?” he said.

In his defense, Tekin said, “Even if you meet Aziz İhsan, it is a crime, or if you don’t, it is a crime. Those who met him are guilty here, and those who did not meet him are also guilty. The person who met him said, ‘No, I swear I didn’t meet him.’ he almost said. And those who didn’t meet said, ‘Oh, fortunately, I didn’t meet.’ In fact, Aziz İhsan is a contractor who works in municipalities. You may or may not meet. Because you get service.” He defended as follows.

Noting that he met with Aziz İhsan Aktaş during his “congratulations” visit when he was elected as the first mayor, as he said, Tekin said, “I had a quick meeting with Aziz İhsan Aktaş. There is no contradiction in my statement. Aziz İhsan Aktaş also said the same.” he said.

Tekin continued his defense as follows:

“I have been asking the same question since the beginning of the trial. What is the concrete evidence about me that shows that I took a bribe or committed a crime? I think the answer to this question is not found in the file. Therefore, I do not ask for privilege from you today. I do not want special treatment because I am a mayor. I do not want to be evaluated differently because I am a member of a political party. I just want the principle of equal application of the law, which should apply to everyone, to apply to me as well.”

Stating that he did not want any privilege or favor from the court panel, Tekin said, “I never want mercy. I just want you to look at the file, the evidence and make your decision in accordance with the requirements of the law. I want justice. Appreciation is your supreme court.” He ended his defense by saying.

Oya Tekin’s husband, detained defendant Celal Tekin, argued in his defense that the entire weight of the case fell on them despite their claims that they were members of a criminal organization at this stage.

Celal Tekin said, “An accusation cannot be made based solely on the constantly changing and changing statements of the person alleged to be the leader of the criminal organization based on our defenses. It is a known fact that these statements were made in order to get out of prison and save his property. We demand that the arrest warrant against us be lifted and an acquittal be given.” He defended as follows.

At the hearing, where the defense statements of some undetained defendants were also taken, the statements of some defendants’ lawyers were also heard.

The hearing was postponed to Monday, June 22, to continue hearing the defendants’ defense against the public prosecutor’s opinion on the merits.

IRAN-USA AGREEMENT

5. Expressing satisfaction with the agreement reached between Iran and the USA, drawing attention to the importance of not disrupting the process; It was stated that Türkiye will continue to contribute effectively to efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

PEACE AND STABILITY IN SYRIA

6. It was expressed that the progress made in establishing peace, stability and tranquility in Syria is welcomed; It was underlined that our support for efforts aimed at strengthening the unity and integrity of Syria and its development will continue.

Ceasefire VIOLATIONS IN GAZA

7. It has been stated that the aggressive actions of the Israeli Administration, which continues the ceasefire violations in Gaza, settler terrorism in the West Bank, and attacks on the status of East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, and aims at the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, have a negative impact on the efforts to establish peace and stability in the region. The international community is invited to take a principled stance against the Israeli Administration’s persistent attitude that disregards universal human values ​​and international law.

STRATEGIC COOPERATION WITH IRAQ

8. Our strong will to continue the strategic cooperation established with Iraq in all fields with the new Iraqi Government has been confirmed; Our support for maintaining the stability and security environment in Iraq was emphasized.

RUSSIAN-UKRAINE WAR

9. The latest situation in the Russia-Ukraine War is discussed; The parties who bear responsibility for the escalation of the conflicts and their spread to the adjacent regions, especially the Black Sea, were called to take immediate steps for a just and lasting peace.

Türkiye-AFRICAN RELATIONS

10. The course of developments across the African continent was evaluated; It was noted that Türkiye will continue its support for the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly and brotherly African countries and for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity on the continent.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASIA

11. Current developments in strengthening peace, stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus were discussed. It is respectfully presented to the public.