Turkish authorities have arrested three mayors from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition party, on corruption charges. This operation is part of a broad investigation targeting high-ranking officials within the party.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
The arrested mayors are:
- Zeydan Karalar, Mayor of Adana
- Abdurrahman Tutdere, Mayor of Adiyaman
- Muhittin Bozcek, Mayor of Antalya
Investigations into Karalar and Tutdere were led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, while Bozcek was arrested following an investigation by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, Ahmet Şahin, Deputy Mayor of Buyukcekmece in Istanbul, was also arrested. The mayor of Buyukcekmece is already in custody.
This operation follows the arrest of former Izmir Mayor Tunç Soyer on July 1, as part of an arrest warrant issued against 157 municipal and CHP officials. This marks the second wave of major arrests targeting a significant number of CHP mayors and officials.
Earlier in March, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was also arrested, initiating a period of heightened tensions between the ruling power and the opposition in Turkey. Reports indicate that nine regional mayors in Istanbul and two others in Adana are also currently in custody.
