Probe launched into top TÜSİAD official over gov’t remarks
ANKARA
An investigation has been initiated into a senior official from the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) over his criticism of the government over recent legal probes and detentions.
In his speech during a meeting on Feb. 13, Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, who presides over TÜSİAD’s High Advisory Council (YİK), slammed legal actions targeting journalists, politicians and businesspeople.
He said along with the dismissal of several mayors, the expulsion of lieutenants from the military, as well as alleged negligence in the deadly Boru fire and the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, such developments in the country undermine public trust and fuel anxiety and uncertainty.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office contended that Aras employed rhetoric aimed at "influencing and directing the judiciary" in his speech.
The prosecution further argued that his remarks were misleading and of a nature that could disrupt public order.
As a result, an investigation was launched on charges of "attempting to interfere with judicial proceedings" and "publicly spreading false information,” the Office said.
TÜSİAD’s statements elicited strong rebukes from both the government and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
"The era of tutelage over democratically elected governments and the independent judiciary is over. Instead of entertaining such aspirations, those who wish to engage in politics should do so transparently and within the democratic framework," Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz wrote on X.
"Regrettably, the TÜSİAD meeting bore witness to this negative rhetoric and approach. We do not believe this language reflects the stance of the broader business community, nor can it be condoned. A prosperous future cannot be built through relentless pessimism and fearmongering," he added.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, in a social media post without naming the association, characterized the comments as an attempt to "interfere with judicial processes."
"We do not tolerate any pressure on judicial processes, and it must be clearly understood that we stand firmly against any attempts to influence the judiciary," he stated.
AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik TÜSIAD must strive to overcome its "poor track record" on democracy.
"As the AKP, we will never permit any initiative that considers itself above politics, just as we have not allowed it in the past," he remarked.
