Turkish business group TÜSİAD leaders face up to five years in prison

A lawsuit has been filed against top business group TÜSİAD executives Orhan Turan and Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras on charges of "publicly spreading misleading information," with a prison sentence of up to five years being sought.

Saturday March 08 2025 01:34 am

Duvar English

Turkish prosecutors on March 7 completed an investigation into Orhan Turan, chair of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), and Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, head of the association’s High Advisory Council, over remarks made during the top business group’s general assembly on Feb. 13.

The indictment seeks prison sentences ranging from one year, 10 months to five years, six months for both Turan and Aras on charges of "publicly spreading misleading information through press and broadcast in a continuous manner," according to a reporting by daily BirGün.

Additionally, the two business leaders are under investigation for "attempting to influence a fair trial," according to legal sources.

What happened?

At the Feb. 13 general assembly, executives from TÜSİAD addressed economic, social, and political issues in the country. Their remarks sparked public debate.

Turan criticized inconsistencies in the justice system, stating, "Lieutenants are dismissed for disciplinary offenses, yet perpetrators of major public outrages, such as earthquakes, fires, harassment, femicides, and workplace accidents, either go unpunished or are released in a short time." He also highlighted the increasing use of government-appointed trustees to replace elected mayors and the rising number of arrests targeting journalists.

Aras echoed similar concerns, emphasizing media restrictions and government oversight of the press.

Following their remarks, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation. On Feb. 19, police detained both men for questioning. After appearing before prosecutors the next day, they were placed under judicial control measures, including an international travel ban.

Both Turan and Aras were later released.

Topics TÜSİAD business associations Orhan Turan Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras