The attempt to link judicial investigations and cases to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan “is, at the very least, an act of audacity and irresponsibility,” Turkey’s Justice Ministry stated, marking the government’s first official response to the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 105 others on charges of corruption and terrorism.

“As part of the investigation, the suspects are alleged to have assisted a terrorist organization in complicity and committed offenses within a criminal organization established for financial gain, including bribery, embezzlement, bid rigging, aggravated fraud, and the illegal acquisition of personal data,” the statement continued.

The ministry emphasized that “the separation of powers—legislative, executive, and judicial—is a fundamental principle in Turkey. The judiciary does not take orders from anyone.”

Furthermore, it stressed that “attacks on the judiciary, threats, or insults directed at judicial officials are unacceptable in a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Instead of obstructing investigations conducted in the interest of justice, it is essential to act with common sense. The decision issued by an impartial and independent judiciary is binding on everyone.”