Turkish authorities detained Orhan Turan and Ömer Aras, senior figures at the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSIAD), on Wednesday following their public denunciation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s economic policies. Prosecutors allege the executives spread misleading information and attempted to influence judicial processes, signaling mounting pressure on dissent.
Erdogan issued a stern warning hours before their interrogation:
You will know your place in the new Turkey. Business groups must act as business groups—not provoke the public or pressure the judiciary.Analysts view this as part of a broader pattern targeting opposition figures, including journalists, politicians, and local leaders.
The arrests coincide with:
- Ongoing trials against Halk TV journalists
- Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s political ban risk
- State replacements for Kurdish-linked mayors
Pro-government outlets defend these actions as lawful, but critics argue they reveal systemic judicial pressure to silence rivals before elections. Istanbul’s stock index fell 2.3% amid concerns over economic instability.
Imamoglu, a potential Erdogan challenger, faces multiple lawsuits linked to his criticism of central investigations. Meanwhile, five Halk TV staffers could face prison for airing a leaked interview exposing alleged judicial bias.
As Turan and Aras await trial, European business groups warn that Turkey’s shrinking democratic space could deter foreign investment. The lira dropped to 34.1 against the dollar this week, compounding economic tensions.
