Seferihisar Mayor Ismail Yetişkin Detained Amid Corruption Probe, Nurse Reports Ongoing Home Dialysis

Seferihisar Mayor Ismail Yetişkin, who has been under detention as part of a large‑scale corruption investigation into alleged irregularities in urban planning in the İzmir district, was reported by his nurse to be undergoing home dialysis. The nurse said Yetişkin has suffered from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions for years and has performed home dialysis for more than four years, typically eight hours a day. A recent session lasted only four hours, which the nurse said was insufficient and caused a rise in his potassium levels and high blood pressure.

The probe, coordinated by the Seferihisar prosecutor’s office, led to the arrest of the municipal planning and construction director E. U. on 22 June and the subsequent simultaneous detention of 25 suspects, including Yetişkin and Balçova district mayor Onur Yiğit. The investigation began on 17 June after authorities detained six individuals linked to alleged improper benefits granted through municipal contracts. The operation, carried out by the police’s financial crime unit, continues as suspects remain in custody and are being questioned.

Yetişkin’s health issues have raised concerns about his condition while in detention, with the nurse emphasizing the importance of regular dialysis for his wellbeing and noting the challenges of maintaining proper nutrition and medication schedules under the circumstances.