AHBAP investigation brings founder Haluk Levent into focus; İbrahim Kalın had previously thanked the NGO

Singer Haluk Levent, the founder of the AHBAP Association, has been detained as part of an investigation into the organization. Authorities have initiated proceedings against Levent on charges including organizing a criminal group, laundering assets derived from crime, and violating the Tax Procedure Law and the Associations Law.

The AHBAP Association gained significant public attention for its relief efforts following the Kahramanmaraş and Hatay earthquakes on February 6. Notably, İbrahim Kalın, who was the Presidential Spokesperson and is now the head of the National Intelligence Organization, had previously expressed gratitude to AHBAP and other non-governmental organizations.

On February 22, 2023, Kalın shared a message on social media thanking various NGOs, including AHBAP. His post read: "All our NGOs, aid organizations, our volunteers that make us who we are... Our beautiful people who rush to help day and night, regardless of heat or cold, near or far... We are grateful to all of you. We are indebted to all of you. We are beautiful together, strong together, we are Turkey together."

The investigation into AHBAP and its founder raises questions about the scrutiny faced by prominent aid organizations, particularly after their involvement in large-scale disaster relief operations. The timing of the detention, following the association's high-profile work, has drawn attention.

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All our NGOs, aid organizations, our volunteers that make us who we are... Our beautiful people who rush to help day and night, regardless of heat or cold, near or far... We are grateful to all of you. We are indebted to all of you. We are beautiful together, strong together, we are Turkey together.