Veli Ağbaba gives a stern response to bribery allegations in the Turkish Parliament: 'If there is an HTS record, I am ready to be executed'

Malatya MP Veli Ağbaba responded to the bribery allegations made against him during his speech at the General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Ağbaba argued that the allegations were based on slander and stated that he was being targeted through his relatives and colleagues.

Stating that he has been subjected to allegations brought to the agenda by the statements of a confessor since approximately May 2, Ağbaba categorically denied the accusation that Gökhan Böcek gave him 1 million euros.

If there are any HTS and base station records of me or my aide with Gökhan Böcek, I am ready to be executed.

Ağbaba stated that one of his aides, with whom he has worked for many years, was arrested due to these allegations, and expressed that he would be ready to accept the harshest punishment if there were any phone or base station records between the parties during the period in question.

REACTION TO THE ARREST OF HIS RELATIVES

In his speech, Ağbaba claimed that his nephew was arrested on the grounds of 150 thousand liras of aid money deposited into his bank account, and said that his aide, with whom he has worked for 19 years, is also in prison due to aid operations carried out during the earthquake period. Ağbaba also alleged that his aide was pressured to testify against him.

Recalling the February 6 earthquakes, Ağbaba explained that he had participated in aid efforts in Malatya from the first days of the disaster. Stating that they coordinated the delivery of humanitarian aid materials such as food, bread, water, stoves, and firewood to those in need, Ağbaba reacted to the fact that aid activities during the earthquake period are now being made the subject of an accusation.

Ağbaba argued that he has never sought financial gain throughout his life and that neither he nor his family has any connection to public tenders. Explaining during his speech that his older brother was also detained on allegations of "rigging a tender," Ağbaba said that his family members have never done business with the public and have never participated in any public tenders to date.

Expressing that he comes from a family that has been tradesmen in Malatya for many years, Ağbaba stated that they provided support to those in need in the city regardless of political views. He said that different political circles in Malatya could also testify to this.

Stating that MPs can receive logistical support from various individuals and circles during election periods, Ağbaba argued that if such support were to be considered bribery, many politicians could face similar accusations.

At the end of his speech, Ağbaba claimed that his family was being targeted and stated that his relatives and colleagues were being victimized in the investigations, reacting with the words, "Is a family attacked?" Ağbaba concluded his speech by saying, "I leave the matter to your conscience."