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'I'm Building a Kindergarten,' He Said, Demanding 50,000 Euros
🇹🇷 Turkey /Economy & Trade

'I'm Building a Kindergarten,' He Said, Demanding 50,000 Euros

From Sabah · (37m ago) Turkish Critical tone

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A businessman claims Manavgat Mayor Şükrü Sözen solicited a 50,000 Euro bribe to fund a kindergarten in his mother's name.
  • The businessman alleges he delivered the cash in a leather bag to the mayor in a parking lot.
  • Following the March 2024 elections, the new mayor, Niyazi Nefi Kara, is also accused of demanding a bribe, leading to a significant fine and partial demolition of the businessman's property after he refused.

A shocking corruption scandal has engulfed the Manavgat Municipality, with damning allegations emerging from a businessman who claims to have been extorted by local officials. The businessman, identified as İbrahim Ş., has detailed a disturbing pattern of bribery involving both current and former mayors, casting a dark shadow over the administration.

Annem adına belediye kreşi yaptırıyorum ancak paraya ihtiyacım var, bana 50 bin Euro verebilir misin?

— Şükrü SözenThe businessman's account of Mayor Şükrü Sözen's alleged request for a bribe to fund a kindergarten.

In his statement, İbrahim Ş. recounts a brazen request from Manavgat Mayor Şükrü Sözen, who allegedly asked for 50,000 Euros to build a kindergarten in his mother's honor. The mayor reportedly showed the businessman construction photos, and the money was allegedly handed over in a leather bag in a secluded parking lot. This alleged act of corruption, disguised as a charitable endeavor, points to a deeply entrenched system of illicit financial dealings within the municipality.

Parayı deri bir çanta içerisinde Şükrü Sözen'e verdim

— İbrahim Ş.The businessman's description of handing over the alleged bribe money to Mayor Şükrü Sözen.

The corruption allegations do not end with the previous administration. İbrahim Ş. also claims that Niyazi Nefi Kara, who won the mayoral seat in the March 2024 elections, also sought bribes. According to the businessman, a municipal council member approached him on behalf of Mayor Kara, demanding a 'donation' of 10,000 to 15,000 Euros. When İbrahim Ş. refused, his business reportedly faced severe repercussions, including a hefty 3.5 million Lira fine and the demolition of a portion of his establishment. These events highlight a disturbing trend of retribution against those who resist corrupt demands.

Beni buraya Belediye Başkanı Nefi Kara gönderdi. 10-15 bin Euro civarında bir bağış yapacaksınız

— Mehmet TosakA municipal council member's alleged demand for a bribe on behalf of Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Sabah in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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