Turkey probes mayor and İzmir Bar Association in anti‑corruption raids

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated simultaneous operations in Istanbul, Giresun and Bursa, detaining 27 suspects—including municipal employees and staff of construction and building‑inspection firms—over alleged fraud linked to a construction company connected to Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Investigators say the company obtained illegal building permits, falsified documents and violated zoning regulations. A total of 28 people were ordered for arrest, with one suspect abroad still being pursued.

In İzmir, the president of the İzmir Bar Association, Sefa Yılmaz, and several board members were placed under investigation. Representatives of the İzmir Medical Chamber and other civil‑society groups held a press conference accusing the probe of intimidation aimed at punishing the bar for reporting prison‑rights violations and participating in protests. Gül Ergör of the Medical Chamber said the investigation “carries the purpose of intimidation and punishment,” alleging that authorities are seeking to suppress legal advocacy.

Both cases reflect heightened scrutiny of public officials and professional bodies by Turkish authorities.