Allegedly said 'Give me 2 million dollars and I will get you released': Prison time sought for Mücahit Birinci

A notable development has occurred in the ongoing investigation into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In the case involving 414 defendants, 92 of whom are in custody, allegations surfaced that 2 million dollars were demanded from defendant Murat Kapki in exchange for his release. Following these allegations, a court process has been initiated against former AKP Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK) member and lawyer Mücahit Birinci.

The indictment accepted by the Istanbul 37th High Criminal Court states that Mücahit Birinci promised Murat Kapki that he would ensure his release if he signed a statement text presented to him in prison, and that he demanded 2 million dollars in return.

The prosecution, alleging that Birinci committed the crime of "misconduct in office," has requested a prison sentence ranging from 6 months to 2 years. It was also argued that his law license should be revoked.

In his statement to the prosecutor, defendant Murat Kapki claimed that Mücahit Birinci asked him to "slander" others and demanded 2 million dollars for this. Mücahit Birinci, while confirming that he met with Kapki, denied the accusations, stating that he did not request a bribe or any money. Birinci, who was not detained as part of the investigation, came to the courthouse to give his statement and was released without a request for arrest.

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL HAD BROUGHT IT TO THE AGENDA

The incident also found wide repercussions in the political arena. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel claimed on July 31, 2025, that Mücahit Birinci met with Murat Kapki in prison, placed a statement text in front of him, and said, "You will sign this and on top of that you will give 2 million dollars, and you will walk out of here easily." Following these allegations, the AKP Istanbul Provincial Presidency referred Mücahit Birinci to the disciplinary board with a request for his permanent expulsion.

Stating that he learned about the expulsion process from the party through news websites, Birinci announced that he had resigned from his AK Party membership. In a statement he made on his social media account, he included the words, "2 million dollars is too little for a legal fee from Kapki. I intended to say 10. But we couldn't reach that stage," and added a note saying "It is irony" to the post.