Bebek Hotel row in AKP circles: Sharp reaction to 'take blood, hair, and nail samples' proposal

A drug investigation targeting several figures from the media, arts, and business worlds has sparked a significant debate. The raid on the Bebek Hotel in Istanbul and the subsequent developments have caused a wide stir in the public eye. The testimony of Arif Altunbulak, the manager of the Bebek Hotel—who was among the 19 people detained and arrested in the operation targeting 26 individuals—was leaked and served to the press. This situation has increased concerns regarding the confidentiality of the investigation.

REACTION FROM MÜCAHİT BİRİNCİ TO CEM KÜÇÜK

Former AK Party MKYK member Mücahit Birinci showed a sharp reaction to Cem Küçük's statements on the matter. In a post on his social media account, Küçük had stated that blood, hair, urine, and nail samples should be taken from everyone who was at the Bebek Hotel on December 28, 2025. Birinci reacted to this proposal by asking, "Is this a banana republic?"

Birinci described the situation as a "serious matter," stating that the state and the government would be harmed by it. He further emphasized that the leaking of investigation contents is unacceptable and asked, "If the citizen cannot trust the file in the state's hands, what will they trust?"

'HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?'

Birinci's statements were as follows:

"My friend, have you lost your mind? Is this a banana republic? Who gives you this authority? I will not explain to you what consequences this logic will lead to. Because it is not you, but the government that will be harmed by the results of this issue. The things you are suggesting did not happen during the FETÖ era, nor during the February 28 process. Have you lost your minds? What does it mean to say that samples should be taken from everyone present at the hotel?"

Birinci also referred to the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698, asking, "Are camera recordings leaked? Is communication content leaked?" and stated that such leaks endanger the security of the state.

'BLOOD, HAIR, URINE, AND NAIL SAMPLES SHOULD BE TAKEN'

Cem Küçük's social media post included the following expressions:

"Blood, hair, urine, and nail samples should be taken from everyone who was at the hotel on December 28, 2025."

Küçük's statements drew backlash on the grounds that they harmed the confidentiality of the investigation process.

LEAKING OF PRIVATE TESTIMONY ENDANGERED SECURITY

In his statement, Mücahit Birinci noted that such actions endanger the "honor of the state," damage public trust, and create trauma in society. Furthermore, by asking "What kind of events are these?", he underscored that there should be no more silence against such leaks.