Allegations of fund fraud brought to the agenda at the IMM Assembly: Ali Şar calls on the government for a solution

CHP Group Spokesperson Ali Şar, in his speech at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Assembly, demanded a solution for the victims of the fund fraud and called for the release of detained mayors pending trial.

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Allegations of fund fraud brought to the agenda at the IMM Assembly: Ali Şar calls on the government for a solution

In the first session of the October meetings of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Assembly, allegations of fund fraud and the situation of citizens who stated they were victims of these allegations were brought to the agenda. Taking the floor at the meeting held in Saraçhane under the chairmanship of 1st Deputy Speaker Gökhan Gümüşdağ, CHP Group Spokesperson Ali Şar claimed that approximately 500 thousand people had been victimized and called on the government to find a solution.

Şar stated, "It is the Justice and Development Party government that must solve this problem without burdening the Treasury and without placing this fraud on the shoulders of the nation." Pointing to the investigation and judicial processes regarding the fund allegations, Şar said that the main expectation in society is for "the real perpetrators to be found."

CHP Group Spokesperson Ali Şar speaking at the IMM Assembly podium. — CHP Group Spokesperson Ali Şar made an off-agenda speech at the IMM Assembly.

"IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT APPROXIMATELY 500 THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED"

In his speech, touching upon the economic crisis, poverty, and debates on responsibility in public administration, Şar described the fund issue as "one of the greatest corruption cases in Turkish history." Şar said, "It is understood that a large number of people, approximately 500 thousand, have been victimized. People trusted, deposited their savings, invested, and wanted their money on the side to appreciate. Then they saw that everything was a lie."

Stating that discussions regarding the individuals who established the fund, were involved in the authorization processes, and were allegedly part of the oversight mechanisms are awaiting answers from the public, Şar said, "Who is behind this in the bureaucracy and politics? An answer must be given."

Members managing the session at the IMM Assembly divan and a view from the hall. — The October meetings of the IMM Assembly were held in Saraçhane.

Bringing back to the agenda the allegation that former Minister of Family and Social Policies and AK Party Deputy Chairperson Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya was sent abroad with an IMM scholarship in the past, Şar said that the inspection board reports on this issue were made public in 2021. Şar claimed that a payment exceeding 85 thousand dollars and 20 thousand liras was made to Kaya in 2009.

Arguing that they had filed a criminal complaint regarding these allegations but that the necessary steps had not been taken, Şar said, "Such people also saw everything as permissible for themselves. They thought they were untouchable."

The session divan and municipal flags in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Assembly hall. — Off-agenda speeches were made at the IMM Assembly session.

ECONOMY AND DETAINED MAYORS WERE ALSO ON THE AGENDA

In his speech, CHP's Şar also touched upon the impact of the economic crisis on citizens. Drawing attention to the livelihood difficulties experienced by retirees, Şar commemorated retired police officer Ali Şekeroğlu, who took his own life during a protest in front of the Constitutional Court on September 25, and said that the demands of retirees should not be ignored.

Members sitting in the rows at the IMM Assembly hall and the divan managing the session. — Assembly members and members of the press attended the IMM Assembly session.

Arguing that problems related to personal data security and fraud allegations are also increasing, Şar assessed that "gangs have practically emerged in every field in Turkey." Claiming that the government avoids taking responsibility in the face of negative developments, Şar said, "If you say 'I am the owner of the things that go well,' you will not avoid responsibility for the things that go wrong."

Wide angle view of the IMM Assembly hall, members watching the session, and the speech screen. — Fund allegations and economic problems were discussed at the session held at the IMM Assembly.

In the final part of his speech, Şar made a call regarding detained and suspended mayors, referring to the process that followed the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer. Demanding that the released mayors and suspended assembly members be reinstated, Şar said that respect must be shown to the will of the people.

Wide angle view of the session taken in the IMM Assembly hall. — Speeches in the assembly hall were also followed on the large screen.

Stating that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and CHP's presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu should also be tried without arrest, Şar said, "Our detained mayors should be tried without arrest. We are not saying that no one should be subject to an investigation, but trial without arrest should be the basis."

CHP Group Spokesperson Şar concluded his speech by stating that they would follow up on the allegations, saying, "We are not declaring anyone guilty from the start, we are not accusing anyone. We are shouting the allegations and the revealed truths from this podium, and we will continue to shout them."