Turkish prosecutor's drug probe detains celebrities, journalist learns of arrest order at father's funeral

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Turkey launched a drug‑related investigation targeting public figures, conducting simultaneous raids in Istanbul and Muğla. Authorities issued detention orders for 25 individuals, detaining 14 on the spot and issuing arrest warrants for 11 who were abroad or could not be located. Among those named were singers Mabel Matiz, actors Serenay Sarıkaya and Berkay Şahin, and journalist Mirgün Cabas.

Cabas announced on social media that he learned his name appeared in the probe from the press while he was in İzmir for his father’s funeral, stating his lawyers were in contact with prosecutors. The public disclosure of the investigation before formal questioning has sparked debate over media involvement in judicial processes and concerns about reputational harm to individuals before trial.

Legal experts warned that the premature broadcasting of arrest orders could prejudice public opinion and undermine the presumption of innocence.