Turkish police detained Erdal Besikcioglu, the mayor of Etimesgut Municipality in western Ankara and a former television actor, on Thursday as part of a crackdown targeting the opposition. The Justice Ministry stated that Besikcioglu is under investigation for alleged irregularities and forgery in municipal tenders, with additional scrutiny on parking lot leasing schemes and construction zoning permissions.
Besikcioglu, known for his role as detective Behzat C in a popular drama series, was elected mayor in March 2024 representing the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). His election came during a period when the opposition strengthened its hold on major Turkish cities, including Ankara and Istanbul.
The arrests are part of a broader campaign in which hundreds of opposition mayors and officials have been detained over the past two years. These operations largely focus on alleged corruption within opposition-run municipalities. The Turkish government maintains that its judiciary is impartial and free from political influence.
Thursday's dawn raids, overseen by the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, targeted 42 municipal officials and 13 company representatives across nine provinces. According to the Justice Ministry, three deputy mayors were also arrested. The suspects face charges including establishing and leading a criminal organization, embezzlement, bribery, extortion, and tender-rigging. Police apprehended 52 individuals and searched 71 locations, seizing documents and digital materials.
This action follows other recent developments within the opposition. In May, the leadership of the CHP was removed by court order, leading to the formation of a new party. Ninety CHP lawmakers subsequently left the party to join the new formation, which has now become the largest opposition bloc in parliament.