First words from Sinem Dedetaş after the operation: 'No good deed goes unpunished'

As part of an investigation conducted into Üsküdar Municipality in Istanbul, 20 people, including a deputy mayor, have been detained. It was learned that searches were carried out at numerous addresses within the scope of the investigation.

Following the developments, Mayor Sinem Dedetaş shared her initial assessment during a conversation with journalist İsmail Saymaz in the morning hours.

LEARNED OF IT IN THE MORNING

Journalist İsmail Saymaz stated that he spoke with Dedetaş in the morning and conveyed that the mayor learned of the investigation around 07:30. It was stated that Dedetaş was on her way to the municipality during the conversation.

STATEMENT REGARDING ZONING AND LICENSING PROCESSES

Speaking about the "zoning" allegations cited as the reason for the operation, Dedetaş said that a new regulation was implemented for zoning and licensing processes at the municipality after she took office.

Dedetaş stated that these processes were previously managed by the municipality's senior management and that this structure was changed in the new term. Emphasizing that any request for donations or contributions within the scope of zoning and building permit procedures is strictly prohibited, Dedetaş expressed that no donations have been received or requested at the municipality in this regard.

Evaluating Technical Deputy Mayor Filiz Deveci, who was detained as part of the investigation, Dedetaş stated that Deveci is an experienced administrator. She said that Deveci came from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and worked with dedication throughout her tenure.

EMPHASIS ON “NO CRIMINAL ELEMENT”

Dedetaş stated that there is no action that would constitute a criminal element in connection with the allegations subject to the investigation. Expressing that the allegations do not reflect the truth, Dedetaş said, "No good deed goes unpunished."

In her statement, Dedetaş also mentioned that there is no action taken against her, noting that no practice aimed at obtaining benefits in zoning and licensing processes is permitted, and that no such exchange is in question.

News Source: 12punto