Turkish police detained Erdal Beşikçioğlu, the CHP mayor of Etimesgut and former TV actor, along with 51 others in a widening corruption probe focused on alleged public tender irregularities and forged documents. Beşikçioğlu, 56, became known for his role as detective Behzat Ç and was elected in the 2024 local elections. The opposition says the inquiry is politically motivated; the government rejects claims of judicial interference.
Turkish Opposition Mayor and Former TV Star Erdal Beşikçioğlu Detained in Widening Corruption Probe
FILE PHOTO - The Turkish flag flies in the wind against a blue sky. (is associated with: «Turkish opposition actor-turned mayor detained in corruption probe») Anna Ross/dpa
Turkish police detained a prominent opposition mayor and former television actor on Thursday as part of a widening corruption investigation, state news agency Anadolu reported.
Erdal Beşikçioğlu, 56, the mayor of Ankara's Etimesgut district, was taken into custody along with 51 others on allegations of irregularities in public tenders and forged documents. Prosecutors say the inquiry targets possible procurement wrongdoing; no verdicts have been reached and investigations are ongoing.
Background
Beşikçioğlu rose to nationwide fame for his portrayal of homicide detective Behzat Ç in the hit TV series before entering politics. He won the Etimesgut mayoralty as a candidate of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in the 2024 local elections.
Political Context and Reactions
The detention follows a series of probes into municipalities run by the CHP after the party's strong showing in the 2024 local vote. The opposition accuses authorities of politically motivated targeting of CHP-led administrations. The government denies any interference with the judiciary and says the investigations are independent and law-based.
Reporting is based on Anadolu agency accounts; independent confirmation and further details are pending.
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