Ali Babacan Questions 'Ahbap' Investigation Delay: 'Why Did the Government Wait 3.5 Years?'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- DEVA Party leader Ali Babacan questioned the government's delay in investigating alleged financial irregularities within the Ahbap organization.
- Babacan asked why authorities waited three and a half years, particularly after the earthquake, to examine these issues.
- He criticized the government for not acting sooner if significant problems existed.
DEVA Party leader Ali Babacan has sharply questioned the government's delayed response to allegations surrounding the Ahbap organization, particularly in light of the recent investigation involving singer Haluk Levent.
Babacan focused his criticism on the timing of the government's actions. "If there are such large figures and such significant incidents, why have you not investigated them until now?" he asked, referring to the ongoing probe. He specifically highlighted the period following the earthquake, noting that three and a half years have passed since then, and questioned the lack of action during that time.
"Why did you not do anything during this period?" Babacan pressed, implying that the authorities should have acted much sooner if the alleged financial issues were indeed substantial. His remarks suggest a belief that the government's current investigation might be politically motivated or a response to public pressure rather than a proactive measure.
If there are such large figures and such significant incidents, why have you not investigated them until now? They say it's about the earthquake, three and a half years have passed, why did you not do anything during this period?
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.