Istanbul official speaks after 15 months: “Every step I take is a crime”

A top Istanbul official accused in a major corruption case has broken his silence after 15 months. Buğra Gökce, a senior figure in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, denied the charges against him. “If you look at the indictment, there is no accusation related to my work at the Istanbul Planning Agency,” Gökce said. “The charges are based only on administrative procedures from a specific period.” Gökce’s statement marks his first public comment since his arrest. The case has drawn significant attention in Turkey, where political tensions remain high. Legal experts note that the indictment focuses narrowly on routine administrative actions, rather than specific criminal acts. The official’s defense raises questions about the scope of the investigation. Critics argue the charges may be politically motivated, while authorities maintain the case follows standard legal procedure.