By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL- On Thursday as part of a major bribery scandal operation in Istanbul, an A Haber journalist, Ahmet Nazif Vural was punched and kicked by a crowd outside as he was covering the event. Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun reacted to the attack on social media: “I convey my wishes to the journalist who was attacked by a group while practicing his journalism profession in Buyukcekmece and I wish him a speedy recovery. I strongly condemn this attack aimed at preventing the freedom of information, which is one of the fundamental rights of the people, and I express that we, as the Directorate of Communications, will follow the process closely.”The journalist’s assault was also strongly condemned by ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesperson Omer Celik. In addition, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) candidate Murat Kurum said: “I condemn the attacks against journalists who have no purpose other than reporting.” Also, AK Party Provincial Chairperson Osman Nuri Kabaktepe expressed his dismay at the incident, saying it’s a worrisome setback for press and media freedom.
Meanwhile, the case involved a major bribery scandal operation in Buyukcekmece Municipality with the Buyukcekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Financial Crimes Department getting involved along with relevant Turkish authorities. The operation uncovered evidence of bribery, fraud and forgery by municipality officials as well as corruption with at least 22 individuals detained including the Deputy Mayor of Buyukcekmece Nuraydin Sak and Urbanization Director A.C. who are accused of creating fake reports to cover up construction fraud on a $265 million project, that was scheduled to break ground in April 2024. It was revealed that a construction company involved in the fraud, did not complete mandatory installations, bypassed earthquake requirements and produced fraudulent reports without proper inspections. In addition, it was revealed that municipal officials allowed construction permist for illegal structures in exchange for bribes while presenting the questionable reports to an expert committee composed of university lecturers. In the journalist attack, the Buyukcekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention orders for three people involved in the assault, according to Daily Sabah newspaper.
Photo : AA
