Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit Suspended Amid Bribery Probe

Balçova district mayor Onur Yiğit was placed under house arrest on 25 June as part of a criminal investigation into alleged bribery. Prosecutors said the case centres on a payment sent to ballot officials two days before the 2024 local elections in Malatya, which Yiğit’s family claims was documented and submitted to the court.

On 28 June the Turkish Interior Ministry invoked Article 127 of the Constitution and temporarily removed Yiğit from office, citing the ongoing investigation for “giving a bribe.” The ministry ordered that a municipal council election for an acting mayor be held on 10 July. Yiğit issued a statement declaring confidence that the judicial process will reveal the truth and that he will resume his duties once cleared.

The incident has drawn local political attention, with the İzmir governor’s office confirming the July 10 council meeting to elect a mayoral deputy.