An indictment has been issued against Orhan Turan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD), and Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, Chairman of TÜSİAD’s High Advisory Council, for the charge of “publicly disseminating misleading information” through press and broadcasting. The prosecutor’s office is also conducting a separate investigation regarding an alleged attempt to influence a fair trial.
The indictment, filed by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, accuses Turan and Aras of making public statements that spread disinformation, violating the chain offence provisions for misleading the public. The prosecutor’s office has requested a prison sentence of up to 5 years and 3 months for both men.
According to the investigation, Turan and Aras’ comments, made at the TÜSİAD General Assembly on February 13, 2025, violated legal principles by presenting distorted facts and suggesting interference in the judiciary. The prosecutor’s office specifically pointed to their speeches as being contrary to the truth and having the potential to direct and suggest to the judiciary.
Turan, during the assembly, highlighted the importance of accelerating the fight against inflation and establishing the rule of law, stating that without it, economic, social, and foreign policy problems could not be resolved. Aras also criticized political developments, focusing on the dismissal of elected mayors and the investigations of political leaders, notably addressing the case of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who faced legal action shortly after making a public statement.
Following these statements, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation into their potential attempt to influence fair trials, leading to their summons to the Istanbul Courthouse. After providing their statements, both Turan and Aras were placed under judicial control, with a ban on leaving the country imposed by a criminal judgeship of peace.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized TÜSİAD at a meeting of his party, warning that business organizations should act in accordance with their role in society and not attempt to pressure state institutions or the judiciary. In response, Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç clarified that the investigation was unrelated to the President’s remarks, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in the country.
In a statement following the developments, TÜSİAD reaffirmed its dedication to democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing its responsibility to contribute to Turkey’s progress with knowledge, experience, and constructive suggestions.