CHP's Başarır recounts his encounter with Akın Gürlek: 'He watched me as if looking at an enemy'

Hazal Güven - 12punto.com.tr

Elif Gülşah Gürlek, a High Criminal Court judge and wife of Akın Gürlek, who was appointed as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor after serving as Deputy Minister of Justice, has been appointed as a member of the Capital Markets Board (SPK).

Akın Gürlek, who led the investigation that paved the way for the appointment of a trustee to replace Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer following his arrest, has been at the center of controversy in recent days. The appointment of his wife, Elif Gülşah Gürlek, to the SPK shortly after the trustee process at Esenyurt Municipality, which resulted from the investigation Gürlek conducted, drew attention.

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır made exclusive statements to 12punto regarding the issue.

Başarır asked, "If it were a position related to the Ministry of Family and Social Services, I would understand. But why is she being appointed to an institution that requires specific expertise?"

'NO ONE USEFUL TO THE AKP IS EVER LEFT WITHOUT A POSITION'

CHP's Başarır continued his remarks as follows:

"This appointment comes right after the trustee appointment at Esenyurt Municipality. The law is being trampled upon. A judge can be appointed to a post in such a short time. If an appointment were made to the Ministry of Family and Social Services, I would understand it. Because it falls within the lady's area of expertise. But why is this appointment being made to an institution that requires specific expertise, the Capital Markets Board (SPK)? No one who is close to the AKP and useful to them is ever left without a position. I am questioning this. Will they open an investigation against me for this? They will. If they do, let them."

'EVEN THE MAN'S LOOKS ARE HOSTILE'

In addition to his evaluations regarding the appointment to the SPK, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır also recounted a memory he had with Akın Gürlek. Başarır stated that he encountered Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek at the RAMS Park Stadium, where he went to watch the Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg match on October 23, 2024, and described Gürlek's looks toward him with the following words:

"I was sitting close to Akın Gürlek at the football match. Even the man's looks are hostile. I asked the friends next to me, 'Why is that man over there looking at me with such a scowl?' They said, 'That man is Akın Gürlek.' A group deputy chairman and a chief public prosecutor are sitting side by side. Look at the state of things. The man watched me as if looking at his enemy. This is not right."