The inside story of the operation targeting the mayor in Bayrampaşa

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a large-scale investigation into the Bayrampaşa Municipality on charges of "extortion," "bribery," "qualified fraud," and "rigging of tenders." In this context, detention warrants were issued for 48 people.

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik, in a press statement he made in front of the Bayrampaşa Municipality, argued that the operation was unlawful.

Çelik said, “Hasan Mutlu is a mayor elected by the people, and you cannot change this fact. He was asked to switch to the AK Party, and it was said that otherwise, an operation would be carried out. This is clearly political blackmail.”

Questioning the impartiality of the judicial process, Çelik stated, “In addition to our mayor, his family and the relatives of council members were also detained. This is an application of enemy criminal law. These pressures on CHP municipalities are a blow to the will of the voters.”

Within the framework of the investigation, charges such as "embezzlement," "rigging of tenders," and "bribery" are included. It was reported that searches were conducted at numerous workplaces and residences. The CHP Istanbul organization gathered in front of the Bayrampaşa Municipality to hold a demonstration of support. On social media, a widespread support campaign was launched with the hashtag #HasanMutluYalnızDeğildir (#HasanMutluIsNotAlone).

Hasan Mutlu is expected to be referred to the courthouse following his statement.

News Source: 12punto