Breaking News... Tanju Özcan detained! He explained the reason for his detention

CHP Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan announced that he has been detained by the gendarmerie.

I have been detained by the gendarmerie.

— Tanju ÖZCAN (@tanjuozcanchp) February 28, 2026

In another social media post, Tanju Özcan stated, 'I was detained because scholarships were provided to thousands of students in my hometown. THIS IS AN HONOR FOR ME.'

I was detained because scholarships were provided to thousands of students in my hometown. THIS IS AN HONOR FOR ME!

— Tanju ÖZCAN (@tanjuozcanchp) February 28, 2026

DETENTION ORDERS FOR 14 PEOPLE

It is alleged that detention orders were issued for Tanju Özcan and 13 other individuals. It was reported that the homes of those for whom detention orders were issued were visited in a dawn operation.

It was reported that those detained were taken for medical examinations.

According to the claim reported by Bolu Gazetesi, the operation was launched on charges of 'extortion' (irtikap).

WHAT DOES 'İRTİKAP' MEAN?

The crime of 'irtikap' (extortion by a public official) occurs when a public official abuses the influence provided by their position to secure a benefit for themselves or a person they direct, by claiming that they will not perform, or will not properly perform, a legitimate task for the other party.

WHO IS TANJU ÖZCAN?

Born in Bolu on December 12, 1973, Özcan graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law.

After working as a freelance lawyer, Özcan served as a Municipal Council Member and as an executive for Boluspor; he is married and a father of one child.