Politics
⛓️Concert Spending Probe at Ankara Metropolitan Municipality: 13 Detained
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an operation into 32 concerts organized by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality between 2021–2024, alleging ₺154 million in public losses. Thirteen suspects, including former municipal cultural affairs officials and company executives, were detained on charges of misconduct and bid rigging. The investigation, based on inspector, MASAK, Court of Accounts, and expert reports, is ongoing. Former mayor Melih Gökçek hinted at the operation hours earlier on social media, fueling speculation about foreknowledge.
⚖️ CHP Slams Ankara Concert Probe: “Gökçek Knew 7 Hours Before”
CHP Deputy Group Chair Ali Mahir Başarır denounced the detention operation targeting Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s concert expenditures, calling it part of a government effort to undermine elected opposition mayors. Speaking on Halk TV, Başarır argued that the investigation is a “dirty perception campaign” since concerts were held transparently with well-known, tax-paying artists. He sharply criticized former Ankara mayor Melih Gökçek for tweeting about the probe seven hours before it began, questioning why prosecutors don’t investigate Gökçek’s own assets and alleged past irregularities.
🎤 Erdoğan’s Microphone Cut at UN Conference, Presidency Clarifies
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s speech at a UN high-level conference on the Palestinian issue was briefly interrupted when his microphone was cut after the five-minute limit expired. The Presidency’s Directorate of Communications stated the incident was a standard technical procedure applied equally to all leaders, noting Erdoğan’s address exceeded the allotted time due to applause. The speech was later completed without further issue.
⚡ Leaks and Missed Gains Reportedly Frustrate Erdoğan
According to reports from AKP circles, President Erdoğan reacted strongly after news emerged of his private meeting with Donald Trump Jr., where he allegedly pledged to buy 300 Boeing aircraft. Erdoğan reportedly ordered an inquiry into how the information was leaked. Separately, he was said to be angered by AKP’s failure to secure control of Beyoğlu and Bayrampaşa municipal councils despite expectations, criticizing local leaders for miscalculations and broken promises.
⚖️ AKP Challenges Bayrampaşa Deputy Mayor Election in Court
The AKP Istanbul Provincial Presidency has filed a lawsuit to annul the Bayrampaşa deputy mayor election, which CHP won on September 21 through a draw after several inconclusive rounds. AKP argues the process disregarded the will of elected council members. The dispute follows CHP’s loss of majority in the 37-member council after four defections, which gave AKP, MHP, and independents a combined 19 seats against CHP’s 18.
🏛️ MHP’s Sorgun Mayor Resigns, Goes Independent
Sorgun Mayor Mustafa Erkut Ekinci announced his resignation from the MHP, citing recent developments that he said risked harming his party and colleagues. Ekinci stated he will continue his duties as an independent. Following the move, MHP headquarters confirmed his removal from the party’s mayoral list, citing behavior inconsistent with party principles.
🚨 DEM Party Condemns ‘Provocation’ in Hakkari Lynching Attempt
In Hakkari, three alleged military personnel were attacked after driving through the city center with loud music and reportedly harassing locals. The driver, found to have a blood alcohol level of 162 promil, was detained, his license revoked, and the modified vehicle impounded. DEM Party MP Onur Düşünmez called the incident an “unacceptable provocation,” accusing security officers of discriminatory behavior that undermines public trust and damages social peace. Authorities confirmed both the driver and attackers face legal and administrative proceedings.
Crime
🔒 ASELSAN Data Leak Scandal: Seven Arrested in Trade Ministry Probe
An investigation has revealed that sensitive import-export data from the Trade Ministry’s systems, along with information on defense industry projects developed by ASELSAN, were illicitly accessed and sold abroad. Complaints from institutions including TOBB, TİM, and ASELSAN triggered the probe, which uncovered that some customs personnel extracted and transferred the data. Of the ten suspects detained in June, seven have been arrested, including ministry employees and a consultancy firm owner, while three were released under judicial control.
🔓 Massive Data Breach Scandal: Officials Threatened, Hacker Gets 31 Years
An investigation in Antalya revealed a network of around 150 people who used stolen personal data to threaten senior prosecutors, judges, and their families with death. According to testimony, the group accessed vast databases—from e-Devlet to health and land registry systems—stealing details down to citizens’ shoe sizes. They even plotted to target the Justice Minister but failed due to outdated contact information.
One suspect, U.C.I., admitted involvement and described how the group trained members via Discord on extracting data and making spoofed calls. Despite cooperating and claiming he was manipulated, he was sentenced to 31 years in prison. His family argues he was exploited while the real organizers remain free. The scandal has sparked outrage, with critics saying that in another country, responsible officials would have resigned.
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