Semra Pelek
A sweeping indictment targeting Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) and its affiliates has leveled criminal charges against several prominent journalists, accusing them of “aiding a criminal organization” and “publicly spreading misleading information” in connection with their coverage of the corruption probe involving İBB Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The 3,700-page indictment, made public Monday, includes charges against 402 individuals, 105 of whom are currently in pre-trial detention. Prosecutors are seeking up to 2,352 years in prison for İmamoğlu over 142 alleged acts, including “establishing and leading a criminal organization,” bribery, bid rigging, and money laundering. The indictment was submitted to the 40th High Criminal Court in Istanbul.
Journalists charged in 'Act 19' section
The indictment includes a specific section titled Act 19 concerning four journalists: Ruşen Çakır, Yavuz Oğhan, Şaban Sevinç, and Soner Yalçın. Prosecutors accuse them of “knowingly and willingly aiding a criminal organization without being part of its hierarchical structure” under Article 220/7 of the Turkish Penal Code, as well as “publicly disseminating misleading information” under Article 217/A.
The prosecution claims that various reports, broadcasts, and social media posts by the journalists were aimed at legitimizing the alleged organization’s actions and portraying the corruption investigation as a political operation. Cited evidence includes witness testimony, research reports, open-source material, and phone records. However, no financial evidence was provided to support claims that the journalists received payments.
Defendants deny allegations
Journalist Soner Yalçın denied claims that Emrah Bağdatlı—identified as a member of the alleged organization—delivered money to him. “That claim is entirely false. I have never engaged in such unethical journalism,” Yalçın stated, arguing that his articles and videos published on OdaTV were professional critiques and ethical commentary. “The claim that these were fabricated or false is itself untrue,” he added.
Şaban Sevinç also denied receiving any payments from Murat Ongun—İmamoğlu’s former media advisor—or anyone else. “I absolutely did not receive money from anyone,” he said, emphasizing that sourcing information is part of journalism and not a criminal act. “A journalist is not required to provide evidence for everything they write,” Sevinç added. “I had no intent to spread false news—this was a political opinion.”
Yavuz Oğhan stated that he did not know Emrah Bağdatlı and rejected the allegations entirely. “These claims are completely false,” he said, noting that his posts were consistent with his journalistic approach over the years.
Ruşen Çakır said his relationship with Murat Ongun was strictly professional and part of his journalistic work. “There was never any exchange of money,” he said. Referring to a post titled The Ekrem İmamoğlu miracle, Çakır described it as an opinion piece. “Such commentary is part of my profession and not a criminal act.”
All four journalists were brought to police stations for questioning as part of the investigation.
Key claims based on secret witness
The accusations against the journalists appear to be largely based on testimony from a secret witness using the alias “İLKE.” The witness made sweeping allegations about media figures and claimed that Ongun played a central role in financing journalists.
“There are journalists regularly financed by Murat Ongun. Emrah is the one who delivers the money to them,” the witness said, listing the names of numerous journalists and media outlets—including Bahar Feyzan, İsmail Saymaz, Nevşin Mengü, Batuhan Çolak, Barış Pehlivan, OdaTV, Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, Nagehan Alçı—and asserting that Ongun also funded the opposition-aligned Halk TV.
The witness alleged that Ongun helped secure construction permits for Halk TV owner Cafer Mahiroğlu’s seaside property in Istanbul in return for media support.
Ongun denies allegations of secret payments
In his statement to the prosecution, Murat Ongun firmly denied claims of providing unofficial financial support to journalists. “As a former journalist myself, off-the-books money transfers are impossible,” Ongun said. “As İBB, the only support we can provide to media outlets is through official advertising channels.”
He added that the communication records cited as evidence reflected personal relationships, and that the secret witness’s claims did not reflect reality.
Background: Mayor İmamoğlu jailed after announcing presidential bid
The case has drawn widespread domestic and international attention since İmamoğlu, a high-profile opposition figure and member of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), was arrested shortly after announcing his candidacy for the presidency. His detention triggered strong reactions from opposition parties and was widely condemned as a politically motivated move.
The ongoing investigation has included raids on İBB-affiliated companies and the detention of numerous municipal employees, consultants, and businesspeople.
With the indictment now officially accepted, the case will be heard at the 40th High Criminal Court in Istanbul.
