Hasan Mutlu responds to 'he became a whistleblower' allegations

Imprisoned Bayrampaşa Mayor Hasan Mutlu has denied the "whistleblower" allegations brought up in some media outlets regarding himself and certain municipal employees in recent days.

In a statement made on his social media account, Hasan Mutlu said, "Do not give credence to the allegations circulated by 'pro-government' media outlets and some 'troll' social media users claiming that certain people in Bayrampaşa have supposedly become 'whistleblowers.' At most, they are 'slanderers.' Know this clearly; there is no action taken by me or my colleagues that we cannot account for."

'THOSE WHO ARE WRONGED TODAY WILL HOLD THE WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE'

"I had seen former Media A.Ş. Board Chairman Murat Ongun once or twice while he was giving a presentation on communication at a large-scale meeting held with mayors at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Other than that, there is no acquaintance or meeting between us. Not only was there no private meeting, but even if we had met, there would be nothing more natural than that. I have been involved in society and politics for many years. Before becoming the Mayor of Bayrampaşa, I served as the Republican People's Party (CHP) Bayrampaşa District Chairman for many years. When I was District Chairman, there were times when Yavuz Saltık, who served as the Head of the IMM Department of Neighborhood Affairs, also participated in the programs and meetings we held with our neighborhood heads (muhtars). I know him through this. When I became Mayor, he came to visit me to offer his well wishes. We had mutually shared this visit on our social media accounts. In other words, our meeting was not secret; it was open to the public. There is no negative aspect to our meeting with him, and an attempt is being made to create a negative perception simply by using the phrase 'they met.' With such false allegations and news, an attempt is being made to violate the presumption of innocence and carry out a trial by media; character assassinations are trying to overshadow the righteous and the truth. They are all unrealistic and aimed at filling empty allegations; they are malicious and have no basis. However, we have full faith that our people know and trust us.

Our neighbors who go to Mis's Cafes know; the price of the products to be purchased is paid and a receipt is obtained. In exchange for this receipt, the products are received. The collections and the amounts entering the municipal account are clear. Despite the fact that tea is sold for 3 TL and the accounts are kept in a way that is open to audit, making an allegation of 'corruption in the social facility' is an indication that empty files are being filled with perceptions and slanders. Fortunately, seeing the slanders and desperation of certain circles makes us understand better that we are on the right path. Those who stray from the right path will not be able to lift their heads from the ground for the rest of their lives due to this shame and will have to live with the weight of it. The slanders cast upon our people, our state, and our fellow travelers who have served our party throughout their lives will not go unpunished for anyone. The usurpation of our municipalities through conspiracies, threats, and various promises is to disregard the will of the people. The reaction of everyone who believes in democracy, regardless of political views, to this wrong is clear.

The temporary removal of an elected mayor from office by being unjustly imprisoned, and the attempt to usurp Bayrampaşa by others through various promises and bargains, does not befit justice and democracy. Those who are wronged today will hold the wrongdoers accountable today and tomorrow. Justice will be served sooner or later.

Do not worry at all; darkness will give way to light! And we will see bright tomorrows all together! We will continue to stand tall! We will become stronger with each passing day! We will succeed together!"

News Source: 12punto