Police take opposition mayor into custody in Turkish Ankara district during early raid over graft allegations

Opposition groups have dismissed multiple accusations since 2024 and describe the probes as politically driven while officials affirm judicial independence.

A full moon rises behind the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey, July 29, 2026.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

ByREUTERS

JULY 30, 2026 08:47

Turkish police have taken into custody an opposition mayor of Ankara's Etimesgut district on Thursday along with others during a corruption investigation, according to broadcaster NTV and additional media reports.

Mayor Erdal Besikcioglu was detained after officers conducted a raid on the Etimesgut municipality in the early morning hours, the report indicated. This marks the latest move in a broad legal effort against municipalities led by the main opposition to President Tayyip Erdogan.

Prosecutors launched an embezzlement inquiry into the municipality in March following the discovery of irregularities in its accounts, NTV reported.

Assertions of political bias surface as series of claims target Turkish opposition

On Wednesday, police detained the opposition mayor of Istanbul district Uskudar together with five others over suspected issues involving building and occupancy permits.

The opposition has dismissed a series of accusations since 2024 and maintains that the investigations are politically motivated. The government maintains that the judiciary remains independent.