Turkish public figures apologize over Ahbap Derneği controversy

Television presenter Pelin Batu removed a social‑media post in which she had hailed singer Haluk Levent and the Ahbap Derneği as heroes after the 6 February 2023 earthquakes. She then issued a public apology, saying, “I am a diplomat’s daughter; it did not suit me,” and expressed regret for spreading misinformation.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Ahbap Derneği for alleged misuse of disaster‑relief donations. Prosecutors allege that about 120 million TL was transferred from the charity’s accounts to the personal account of Levent’s assistant Yeliz Kaya, and that Haluk Levent placed roughly 990 million TL in legal betting between 2020‑2026, resulting in a loss of around 390 million TL.

Actress Eda Ece also posted an apology after her remarks at a 2023 awards ceremony about election results in the earthquake‑affected region resurfaced. She said she never donated to Ahbap Derneği, had no involvement with the organization, and expressed remorse to earthquake victims and the public.

Both apologies came as the financial probe into Ahbap Derneği gained media attention, reigniting public debate over the transparency of civil‑society fundraising after the disaster.