Muhittin Böcek's reaction to the operation: I wouldn't be grateful for a house

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek was arrested as part of an investigation launched by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over allegations of "bribery".

Böcek's statement to the prosecution has emerged.

Böcek said in his statement that he did not accept the accusations. Böcek, who was previously arrested in another case in Istanbul and released while on trial, was accused of 2 separate bribery charges based on the statements and submitted documents of businessman Yusuf Yadoğlu. He stated that he had known Yusuf Yadoğlu for approximately 10 years and spoke as follows:

"He is generally a businessman who does business with public institutions in various fields. I do not have a detailed dialogue or intimacy with this person. I am not in a position to enter into a detailed dialogue with Yusuf Yadoğlu or any other businessman. I am not aware of his attributions against me or my son Gökhan Böcek. I do not know my son Gökhan Böcek's acquaintance or intimacy with Yusuf Yadoğlu. I am not aware of what kind of trade or relationship they have."

'I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO BE GRATEFUL FOR A HOUSE'

Muhittin Böcek, who stated that his son Gökhan Böcek had a short marriage with Zeynep Kerimoğlu, said, "I sincerely say that I learned during the police statement that a house transfer was made as part of the divorce agreement in question. I only told my son not to victimize Zeynep, whom I saw as my daughter, during this process. However, as I understood from the statements in the police statement read to me, a house transfer was made to Zeynep Kerimoğlu and the money for this house was allegedly paid by Yusuf Yadoğlu. I repeat that I had no knowledge at any point in these processes. In fact, as I understood from Yusuf Yadoğlu's statement read at the police station, Gökhan borrowed this money. The value of my assets is obvious. I am not in a position to be indebted to anyone else for a house."

'MY SON'S INFLUENCE ON THE MUNICIPALITY IS NOT IN QUESTION'

Stating that his son Gökhan Böcek is currently abroad, Böcek said, "He went on a planned trip with his family before this incident happened. He will return as soon as possible and give his statement. There is absolutely no question of him running away."

Muhittin Böcek, who stated that he did not know that Yadoğlu made payments to various companies through his son Gökhan Böcek, using his name, for vehicle wraps to be used in propaganda activities before the 2024 local elections, said, "I did not follow such a path on my behalf in election campaigns in a special and economical city like Antalya. Our party and I have the power to provide these expenses. The claim that Yusuf Yadoğlu entered into certain businesses through my son Gökhan Böcek out of fear that he would not be able to receive his entitlements from the municipality with his own wishful thinking is absolutely unfounded. My son has no official or unofficial influence over the municipality. No personnel responsible for financial affairs can make payments based on my son's words. Again, it is not the case that my son obtained financial benefits from people in order to make entitlement payments. My son does not need any money in this direction either. I absolutely do not accept the accusations made against me."

Source: DHA