Çankaya Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner Arrest Sparks Political Turmoil

Çankaya Belediye Başkanı Hüseyin Can Güner was detained and subsequently arrested on secret‑witness charges related to alleged procurement fraud, “organizing a criminal group” and bribery. He denied any wrongdoing, stating he had not given any instructions and that no concrete evidence had been presented. Following his arrest, the Interior Ministry temporarily removed him from office.

A special session of the Çankaya Belediye Meclisi is set for 22 July to elect a new mayor‑deputy who will act as head until Güner’s legal status is resolved. The mayor‑deputy election will be held by secret ballot, with a two‑thirds majority required in the first two rounds.

Political figures expressed support for Güner. Ankara Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı Mansur Yavaş questioned the necessity of detention, while Etimesgut Belediye Başkanı Erdal Beşikcioğlu and CHP Grup Başkanvekili Murat Emir visited Güner in Sincan Prison, emphasizing solidarity and the principle of fair trial. Güner’s mother, Perihan Güner, publicly affirmed her son’s resolve.

The case has dominated local media, prompting debates over the use of pre‑trial detention and the broader implications for municipal governance in Turkey.