IMM responds to allegations in MASAK report

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has issued a statement regarding allegations in a MASAK report concerning the IMM subsidiary, İstanbul Kültür ve Sanat Ürünleri A.Ş.

In a statement released by the IMM Press Office, the municipality addressed claims stating, "The IMM subsidiary, İstanbul Kültür ve Sanat Ürünleri A.Ş., issued invoices totaling 395 million TL between 2020 and 2024, but only 193 million TL was paid. The fate of the remaining amount is unclear."

Responding to the allegations, the statement noted, "In the MASAK report, collections appear incomplete because only bank transfers were taken into account. In reality, the company has no outstanding debt to İstanbul Kültür A.Ş. The phrase in the report stating that 'the source of the difference is unknown' is a comment based on incomplete information and contains disinformation."

Furthermore, the statement added, "The IMM has acted with public responsibility against intentional publications that violate the confidentiality of the investigation and has filed criminal complaints," emphasizing that the fight against attempts to create contradictions surrounding IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu will continue. It stated, "Our fight against disinformation aimed at creating contradictions through the testimony of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu will continue, driven by our belief in the public's right to accurate information."

Finally, the statement addressed claims that Mayor İmamoğlu has a direct influence on municipal tenders, advertising permits, and commercial decisions. The statement clarified that mayors do not legally participate in tenders, sign them, or conduct individual follow-ups, noting, "By law, mayors do not participate in tenders, sign them, or conduct individual follow-ups. These processes are carried out by the relevant departments and professional managers."

News Source: 12punto