Expert review to be conducted for AHBAP association

As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the AHBAP Association, an expert panel has been appointed to examine the use of donations and aid collected by the association following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023.

Within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the AHBAP Association, allegations regarding the use of donations and aid collected by the association following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes on February 6, 2023, continue to be examined in all aspects.

In this context, it was decided to appoint an expert panel consisting of specialists in their fields to determine whether the collected donations and aid were used in accordance with the designated purposes and relevant legislation. The expert panel will prepare a detailed report by examining all financial records, bank account transactions, money transfers between relevant individuals and companies, and all information and documents obtained within the scope of the investigation regarding the collection, transfer, and expenditure of the donations.

In a statement regarding the matter, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated, "The investigation is being conducted based on the rule of law and the presumption of innocence, solely in line with concrete information, documents, and evidence."

STATEMENT FROM MINISTER GÜRLEK

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his statement regarding the AHBAP Association investigation, in which 14 people including Haluk Levent were arrested, said that every donation made after the February 6 earthquakes is a precious trust. Gürlek stated, "We will never allow our citizens who donate with good intentions to be disappointed." 

In his statement on social media, Minister Gürlek said, "Every donation made by our noble nation with a spirit of sacrifice and solidarity following the 'disaster of the century,' the February 6 earthquakes, is a precious trust delivered to be conveyed to those in need. Auditing whether this trust is used in accordance with its purpose is a requirement of both public conscience and our citizens' trust in justice and the state." 

"Exploitation of benevolence and the sense of solidarity will not be permitted"

Gürlek noted, "The decision to conduct an expert review as part of the investigation carried out by our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is an important step in examining all financial processes from the collection to the expenditure of donations in light of concrete information and documents, and in revealing the material truth in a way that leaves no room for doubt. The Turkish nation is a noble nation that rushes to the aid of the oppressed waiting for help all over the world and never refrains from sharing its bread and resources. The exploitation of this benevolence and sense of solidarity; and the disappointment of our citizens who donate with good intentions will never be permitted." 

Stating that the allegations are being investigated meticulously, Gürlek expressed the following:

"Our non-governmental organizations, which operate with an understanding of transparency and accountability, are indispensable elements of our social solidarity. However, no person, institution, or structure is beyond legal oversight. The account of where and for what purpose every donation made by our nation with a sense of compassion is used must be clearly given. Our citizens should rest assured. The Turkish judiciary acts not according to perceptions or social media campaigns, but solely according to concrete evidence and the law. Allegations that cast a shadow on our nation's trust and the trust placed in us will be investigated to the end; no act that exploits the sense of benevolence will be left unanswered."

News Source: 12punto