'Escort scandal' at Diyanet reaches Turkish Parliament: 'Some mistakes can happen' defense
Following allegations of misconduct within the Austrian Turkish Islamic Union (ATİB), referred to as the "escort scandal," the investigation has been brought to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), while Diyanet announced that the personnel involved have been dismissed.
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Allegations of misconduct regarding the Austrian Turkish Islamic Union (ATİB), headquartered in Vienna, under the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), have been brought to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
STATEMENT AT THE COMMISSION MEETING
According to a report by BirGün newspaper, Diyanet Vice President Fatih Mehmet Karaca made evaluations regarding the issue during a commission meeting he attended at the TBMM. Karaca stated that the incident, which was reflected in the public eye in 2025, actually dates back to 2019.
Regarding the process, Karaca said, "Upon a complaint that came to our Presidency in 2019, although it came to the agenda in 2025, it was investigated by our Presidency's Guidance and Inspection Board, and the employment of all personnel involved in the incident was terminated."
"NECESSARY ACTIONS WERE TAKEN"
Stating that Diyanet had launched an investigation into the allegations, Karaca reported that the necessary administrative and disciplinary procedures were applied throughout the process. Karaca said, "Whatever was necessary in terms of administrative and disciplinary provisions was done at every stage."
Furthermore, stating that ties with the individuals and institutions linked to the allegations were severed, Karaca made an assessment regarding the functioning of the system.
"SOME MISTAKES CAN HAPPEN"
Karaca used the expressions, "Therefore, unfortunately, even if not desired, some mistakes can happen where there are humans, and when these mistakes are detected, it is never a question of covering them up or doing anything similar."
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
The allegations previously reflected in the public eye had focused on irregularities alleged to have occurred within the Vienna-based ATİB. The allegations in question had caused a wide repercussion in the public.
In the incident referred to as the "Escort Scandal," it was alleged that a portion of the association's income was used for entertainment venues and "escort services." Additionally, it was among the allegations that these expenses were recorded under items such as "imams' residence permit expenses" in order to evade audits.