Turkish municipal officials return to posts after legal suspensions

Several Turkish municipal officials have returned to their posts following legal proceedings and periods of suspension.

In Balçova, Mayor Onur Yiğit resumed his duties after being removed from office on July 3, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation. Yiğit was met by supporters and municipal employees at the town hall. In his address, he expressed that the two-month period was difficult for his family and stated his commitment to acting without seeking personal or material gain, asserting, “I will not let the rights of Balçova be wasted.”

In Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan visited Serap Karay, Head of the Press and Public Relations Department, and Mustafa Karaoğlu, Deputy Manager, following their release and return to work. Both officials had been removed from their positions and detained as part of an İBB-related case. Karay was released on July 8, following the earlier release of Karaoğlu on June 18. Aslan characterized their removal as unlawful.