Meaningful timing of operation targeting the Turkish government

An operation was carried out on Dec 17 with the object to redesign the politics of Turkey. A string of public figures including high-profile businessmen and the sons of ministers were detained on Dec 17 over allegations of bribery. Part of the operation was carried out at the Public Prosecutor's office in Izmir, a metropolitan city in the west of Turkey. This operation was initiated to counteract TCDD's (Turkish State Railways) leading Marmaray (underwater tunnel connecting Europe and Asia) and high speed rail projects. It is noteworthy that the operation began in the same city former Minister of Transport, Binali Yildirim was candidate for mayor. The prosecutor's office began the inquiry three years ago, 2.5 months before the local elections. Binali Yildirim stated that the operation was carried out to sabotage the election process. He also remarked that the operation at the Izmir harbor was launched following a denunciation in 2011 and added, "The timing of the operation is meaningful. If investigations are carried out three years after the launch of an operation, the reason is very clear."

Mr. Yildirim also noted that a similar story was concocted 20 days prior to the 2011 elections in Izmir and repeated, "Launching an operation only to postpone investigation for three years does not comply with the principles of the constitutional state. People have been taken from their homes without any reason."

The Fight Against Financial Crime unit initiated an inquiry following a denunciation regarding the infraction on harbor operation tenders. It was alleged that more than 25 people, some of whom are bureaucrats and businessmen were detained in the operation launched at 6:00AM. TCDD head office further reported that 8 personnel were detained for questioning, yet the head office was not searched.