Breaking News: Investigation launched into TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chair Aras!

An investigation has been launched into Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, Chair of the TÜSİAD High Advisory Council (YİK).

12punto 14 February 2025

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, Chair of the High Advisory Council of TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association), on charges of "attempting to influence a fair trial" and "publicly disseminating false information" due to remarks he made regarding certain investigations and prosecutions during the association's general assembly yesterday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speeches delivered at the General Assembly Meeting of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) held yesterday (February 13) became a major topic of discussion.

TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan criticized the economic management, stating that the fight against inflation must be accelerated. Emphasizing the rule of law, Turan said, "If there is no trust in the law, distrust, uncertainty, and instability will spread everywhere. A systemic risk emerges. While it may be possible to save the day, the future is put at risk."

During TÜSİAD's presentation titled "Extraordinary events in political life," TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chair Ömer Aras also made striking statements. In his speech, Aras touched upon the arrest of Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, the investigation launched into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the arrest of talent manager Ayşe Barım—who is under investigation for 'monopolization' allegations—in connection with the Gezi Park protests, the arrest of HALK TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş, and the young lieutenants dismissed from the army.

These remarks by TÜSİAD executives drew reactions from the government front. Pro-government media outlets targeted TÜSİAD in today's newspaper headlines.