Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit removed from office within scope of 'bribery' investigation

The Ministry of Interior shared its decision regarding Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit, who serves in İzmir's Balçova district, with the public. The Ministry announced that Yiğit was removed from office as a temporary measure based on the provisions of Article 127 of the Constitution and Article 47 of the Municipal Law No. 5393. This decision is described as an application of the legal framework regarding the removal and temporary appointment of mayors in local governments. In the official statement from the Ministry, it was emphasized that the action in question is directly linked to the ongoing investigation process.

The decision to remove from office came following an investigation initiated by the Seferihisar Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Within the scope of the investigation, Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit was detained in previous months to have his statements taken regarding the allegations. Following the detention process, Yiğit was released under judicial control measures, and it was decided to implement measures such as a ban on traveling abroad. This judicial control application is significant for the continued collection of evidence within the scope of the investigation and ensuring the suspect's participation in the process.

The legal process forming the basis for Yiğit's removal is linked to a decision given by the Seferihisar Peace Criminal Judgeship. In its decision dated 28 June 2026, the Judgeship ruled for the application of a judicial control measure for the Mayor within the framework of the investigation conducted for the crime of “giving bribery”. In this context, it was decided to place Yiğit under judicial control on the condition that he does not leave his residence. The Ministry of Interior reported that it initiated the process to temporarily remove the mayor from office in accordance with the legislation, citing this legal decision and the advanced judicial processes as grounds.

In a written press release regarding the issue, the Ministry of Interior provided details. The statement noted that Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit was placed under judicial control upon the relevant decision of the peace criminal judgeship within the scope of the investigation conducted against him. Following this, the Ministry stated that a decision to remove him from office was made as a temporary measure to ensure neutrality and the preservation of state authority during the investigation process, pursuant to the relevant articles of the Municipal Law. In the official announcement, it was stated that the decision was respectfully announced to the public and reference was made to the legal grounds of the reasons regarding the process.

The start of Balçova Mayor's tenure and the continuing process in light of these developments are sparking debates in the field of local administration and law. Yiğit, whose detention process began on 25 June, was later released on the condition of not leaving his residence, also referred to as house arrest. In the time that passed, the investigation conducted by the prosecutor's office was deepened and preparations were completed. The decision to apply a judicial control measure by the Judgeship on the condition of not leaving his residence, followed by the Ministry of Interior intervening and deciding to remove him from office, marks a new period in Balçova local governance. This temporary measure decision will remain valid until the completion of the judicial process that will clarify the future legal status of the mayorship.