Turkey: Erdogan says foreign plot behind corruption probe
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 December 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkey: Erdogan says foreign plot behind corruption probe, 21 December 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52e65a2c5.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 21, 2013
Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to expel foreign ambassadors, blaming them for a vast corruption and bribery investigation being conducted against people close to his government.
Erdogan's accusations on December 21 came after two government ministers' sons were arrested along with several others including Suleyman Aslan, the CEO of the state-owned Halkbank.
Turkish media said that a total of 24 people were jailed pending trial, accused of taking or facilitating bribes.
Local media reports say the investigation relates to illicit money transfers to Iran and large-scale bribery for construction projects.
Erdogan has hit back by removing heads of police units from their post, including 14 in Ankara on December 20, and sacking the head of Istanbul's police on December 19.
Erdogan said the "dirty operation" was timed to harm his government before local elections in March.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
