Turkey removes two CHP mayors over corruption probe

The Interior Ministry announced that Adalar district mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat and Silifke district mayor Mustafa Turgut have been suspended from office. Both officials were detained on 23 June 2026 and charged with "forming a criminal organization" and "taking bribes." The ministry said the suspension is a temporary measure under Article 127 of the Constitution and Article 47 of the Municipal Law No. 5393.

Akpolat was arrested by the Istanbul Anatolian 3rd Civil Court (case 2026/711) and Turgut by the Silifke Chief Prosecutor’s Office (case 2026/2236). The operation, coordinated with simultaneous raids in four provinces, resulted in 42 arrests, including the two mayors, and several other officials being taken into custody. Some detainees were released on bail, while others remain under judicial control.

Municipal councils of both districts will convene to elect deputy mayors as interim leaders. The removals are part of a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting CHP‑run local administrations.