CHP MP shares Turkish Defense Industries head's picture with shady businessman

Duvar English

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Ali Mahir Başarır has shared a picture of Turkish Defense Industries chief İsmail Demir with infamous business tycoon Sezgin Baran Korkmaz at an event. 

Demir recently made headlines after it was revealed that he stayed at the Paramount Hotel previously owned by Korkmaz, who is accused of money laundering by both the U.S. and Turkey. He defended himself by saying that he stayed at the hotel upon an invitation from his friend and businessman Ali Tunga. 

Başarır in a written statement said that Demir's remarks are inconsistent, as he pointed to the picture dated Aug. 18, 2017. 

The picture shows Korkmaz, Demir, Lt. Gen. Yavuz Türkgenci, and former U.S. National Security Advisor Gen. James L. Jones sitting together at a table during an event. 

Başarır also said that Korkmaz held meetings with the said officials at Turkey-U.S. Business Council (TAİK) and other institutions related to Turkey-U.S. relations, while asking what his role was in such high-level meetings. 

"What kind of expertise does Korkmaz have in defense and security that allows him to be at these meetings? It can be understood that issues related to defense were discussed when the names here are taken into account," he said. 

"It's crucial for Demir to explain why he stayed at the hotel," the deputy added. 

Korkmaz is currently under arrest in Austria. 

The U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020 imposed sanctions on Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), Demir and three employees to punish Ankara over its acquisition of Russian-made S-400 defense systems.

The measures were announced under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) -- the first time the act has been used against a fellow member of the NATO military alliance.

They include a ban on all U.S. export licenses as well as asset freezes and visa restrictions for Demir and three other employees.