CHP reacts to corruption allegations against New York Mayor Eric Adams: 'Worth questioning'

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın evaluated the corruption indictment prepared against New York Mayor Eric Adams. 

Stating that the allegations regarding five Turkish businesspeople, Turkish Airlines (THY), and the fire safety regulations of the Turkish House (Türkevi) mentioned in the indictment are noteworthy, Günaydın said these issues must be investigated.

Gökhan Günaydın categorized the allegations against Adams under three main headings. First, he addressed the claims that five Turkish businesspeople made illegal donations to Adams' campaign. Stating that these donations are contrary to American law, Günaydın noted that it is important to politically question the identities and motivations of these businesspeople.

ADVANTAGES PROVIDED THROUGH THY

The indictment also states that THY provided special advantages to Adams. It is alleged that Adams flew frequently with THY during his visits to Turkey, receiving discounts, hotel perks, and business class upgrades worth 123 thousand dollars during these flights.

Emphasizing that this figure corresponds to approximately 4.2 million TL at the current exchange rate, Günaydın said, "We know that the monthly salary of the THY Chairman of the Board is 1 million 840 thousand TL. In other words, the total amount of the bribery allegation is not even 3 months of Bilal Ekşi's salary. However, in countries where the rule of law functions, such illegalities are evaluated not by their quantitative but by their qualitative dimensions."

TÜRKEVI AND FIRE REGULATION ALLEGATIONS

Günaydın stated that issues regarding the compliance of the Turkish House (Türkevi) with fire regulations were also included in the indictment.

He alleged that the New York Fire Department had detected more than 60 fire alarm defects at the Turkish House and therefore did not grant an occupancy permit, but that this issue was resolved after a Turkish diplomat intervened and reminded Adams of previous favors.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Making statements at the Turkish House in the US, CHP leader Özgür Özel responded to a question regarding the corruption investigation opened against New York Mayor Eric Adams, in which the names of Turkish officials are also mentioned, by saying, "The Republic of Turkey made an important gesture when the US was attacked, and while such a building is being constructed here, Turkey is not a country that needs to pay bribes, it is not in such a state of helplessness. Intending such a thing does not suit anyone representing the Republic of Turkey."

An indictment has been prepared against New York Mayor Eric Adams, in which he faces charges on five counts, including corruption and bribery. A significant portion of the 57-page indictment consists of accusations linked to Turkish businesspeople and at least one Turkish official.