AK Party Vice Chairman Zafer Sırakaya stated, “The claim that the investigation is based on the testimonies of ‘secret witnesses’ testimonies have no grounds, is unjust and far from the truth.”

In a statement shared on his social media accounts, the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Zafer Sırakaya emphasised that political parties and prominent public figures are obliged to act with reason and sound judgement.

Zafer Sırakaya emphasised that those who exploit the public’s trust, belief, and sincerity for themselves and their party causing provocation leading to confrontation with the state, will ultimately find their place on the wrong side of history. He stated that resorting to street protests in support of Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is yet to appear before court and give testimony regarding the allegations of “establishing a criminal organisation for personal gain” shows a mindset which is disconnected from the principles of democracy.

Sırakaya also stated, “The claims that the investigation is based on ‘secret witness’ testimonies has no grounds, is unjust and far from the truth.”

In his explanations outlined in his social media channels Sırakaya elaborated and explained:

“The majority of the witnesses in this case are from within the departments of The Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul (IBB) these facts are being deliberately concealed by the opposition media. Those attempting to shape public perception are hiding the fact that the investigation file does not solely rely on anonymous witness statements; the allegations are supported by material evidence, which has been provided as concrete proof. 

This ongoing investigation on the allegations of corruption, has perhaps for the first time caused Türkiye to encounter a scandal of this magnitude, which inturn has caused a serious threat to national security.

Among the allegations made in the trial there are also allegations directed toward a breach of personal data. Whereby the Mayor of Istanbul and senior İBB officials are alleged to have unlawfully obtained, misused, disseminated, and even sold the personal data of 16 million residents in Istanbul. This is a direct violation of the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK). The mere sale of this personal data is a scandal and a criminal offence.

Furthermore, nine of the individuals named in the investigation managed to flee the country with highly professional and sophisticated methods this information is highly significant and deeply concerning.”