Turkish journalist controversy over Kılıçdaroğlu rally figure recruitment

A dispute erupted after a journalist from BirGün, Ebru Çelik, reported that an agency had hired individuals to act as "figürans" (stand‑ins) at a Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu rally in Sarıyer. The report led to a criminal complaint by CHP Istanbul deputy Gürsel Tekin, alleging disinformation, while the journalist defended the method as legitimate on‑the‑ground reporting.

Hürriyet columnist Abdülkadir Selvi responded to the controversy, arguing that if the gathering of people was paid for, it could damage Kılıçdaroğlu and the CHP. He dismissed the accusations of provocation and criticized the police involvement. The episode has prompted an investigation by the Republic Prosecutor’s Office into the alleged irregularities surrounding the agency's actions and the media coverage of the event.