Ahmet Hakan evaluates the concert investigations launched into municipalities: 'What happened when the audit started?'

Hürriyet newspaper Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Hakan, noting that investigations have been launched into the concerts organized by the Istanbul and Ankara Metropolitan Municipalities, wrote,"I am not even slightly convinced by the argument that political engineering is being carried out through these audits."

Arguing that Mansur Yavaş was going through the worst days of his personal history before the audits, Hakan said,"What happened when the audit started? Mansur Yavaş felt a little relieved. He immediately retreated into the position of a victim."he stated.

INVESTIGATION HAD BEEN LAUNCHED INTO MUNICIPAL CONCERTS

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, launched an investigation following reports regarding concerts organized by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. In accordance with the "Law on the Prosecution of Civil Servants," the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office wrote a memorandum to the Ministry of Interior Inspection Board, requesting an investigation into the allegations and asking that the situation be reported to the prosecutor's office if any criminal elements or suspects are identified. The prosecutor's office sent the complaint petitions to the Ministry of Interior for a detailed examination.

MANSUR YAVAŞ: NO ONE IS BETTER THAN US AT ACCOUNTABILITY 

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who made a statement on his social media account, reported that 2 inspectors from the ministry began their investigations on November 11. Yavaş said, "On November 11, the day I made a statement to the press regarding the matter, 2 civil inspectors were sent by the Ministry of Interior to investigate the issue. This investigation is still ongoing. There is no new situation. No one is better than us at accountability. We stand by our word; if anyone is guilty, they will pay the price. We expect the same behavior from all public institutions and municipalities." he said.

ISTANBUL CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE LAUNCHES  EX OFFICIO INVESTIGATION

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation into allegations that irregular expenditures were made during certain events held by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), leading to public loss. 

In a statement regarding the matter, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said, "An ex officio investigation has been launched by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior inspectors, regarding allegations that irregular expenditures were made in relation to certain events held by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, as reported on various news sites and social media platforms, leading to public loss."

IMM OFFICIALS: 'THE INVESTIGATION IS ROUTINE'

It was reported that IMM officials also stated regarding the matter, "This is a normal situation for the IMM. Such investigations are routine. The inspectors are here; they have their offices and desks. IMM personnel are also supporting them so they can examine the files they request." they said. 

İMAMOĞLU HAD ALSO REACTED 

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu reacted to the investigation launched into the IMM, saying, "This is a harassment applied to us, a judicial harassment. It is clear that it was done by order and instruction." Ekrem İmamoğlu said the following:

"Audit us, my brother. But I know why they are angry with us; when they see thousands of people gathering on Republic Day, something happens to them. When hundreds of thousands of people flock to the streets and squares with enthusiasm on the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, their hair stands on end. Not out of excitement like us, but something else happens to them. Look, it is that clear. In this respect, I wish this operation were just an inspection or an audit, but this operation is unfortunately being carried out through the media, through political institutions and organizations, and through the judiciary, to which we all entrust ourselves. Let me state the name of this clearly; this is outright ‘judicial harassment.’ It is a harassment applied to us, a judicial harassment. It is clear that it was done by order and instruction."