Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit reinstated after investigation suspension

The Turkish Ministry of Interior has announced the reinstatement of Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit, who had been temporarily removed from his post pending an investigation. The decision follows recent developments in the judicial process concerning the mayor.

In a statement released via social media, the ministry detailed the "Press Release Regarding the Reinstatement of Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit." It referenced a July 22, 2026, decision by the Seferihisar Court of Peace, which imposed judicial control measures on Yiğit. These measures include being placed under judicial supervision, a travel ban, and the requirement to report to the nearest law enforcement unit.

“

The Ministry of Interior announced the reinstatement of Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit, who was suspended from duty with a temporary injunction as part of an ongoing investigation.

The ministry clarified that following the imposition of these judicial control measures, Onur Yiğit was reinstated to his mayoral duties with the ministry's approval, in accordance with Article 127 of the Constitution. This reinstatement comes after Yiğit was initially detained on June 25 as part of an investigation led by the Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. At that time, he was placed under house arrest.

Notably, Seferihisar Mayor İsmail Yetişkin was arrested in the same investigation, which reportedly concerns allegations of bribery. The operation, conducted by İzmir Provincial Police Department's Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch, led to the detention of 24 suspects, including municipal employees and business people, alongside several CHP party mayors. Yiğit's house arrest was lifted on July 22, and a deputy mayor had been appointed to his position following his suspension.

“

Following the imposition of these judicial control decisions, Onur Yiğit was reinstated to his duty with the approval of the Ministry of Interior, in accordance with Article 127 of the Constitution.