The president of the Izmir Court of First Instance, Judge Oktay Tabur, has been suspended after the daily Birgün reported on a large collection of firearms in his courthouse office and revealed his luxurious lifestyle. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced an investigation into Tabur’s conduct after pictures emerged showing 13 pistols and 7 long-barrelled rifles mounted on a wall in Tabur’s office.
The scandal erupted after a photograph taken in Tabur’s office was released, showing him posing with top officials from the Council of Judges and Prosecutors’ (HSK) Inspection Board. The image, which includes the Inspection Board President Osman Nuri Yiğit and his deputies, Mehmet Şirin Işık and Murat Gülaç, has raised serious questions about judicial ethics and propriety.
Extravagant Lifestyle
Judge Tabur’s ostentatious lifestyle has been a topic of discussion in Izmir for some time. Known for driving a Porsche Taycan, one of the most expensive cars sold in Turkey, Tabur’s wealth and spending habits have now come under intense scrutiny. Tabur claims his affluence is the result of successful investments in the stock market, asserting that all his firearms are licensed and legally acquired.
However, his financial activities are being questioned. Recent allegations by opposition MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu suggest Tabur and another judge, Erkan Özkaya, made a substantial real estate investment, signing a contract for two apartments worth 31.5 million TL each and making a 2 million TL down payment on October 30, 2023. The full payment of 29.5 million TL is reportedly due by January 24, 2024. Gergerlioğlu has called for investigation, questioning how public officials could amass such wealth.
Political Reactions
The controversy has ignited fierce criticism from political figures. Main opposition leader Özgür Özel condemned the display of firearms and luxurious living by a public servant, labeling it as an affront to the principles of democracy and public trust. Özel remarked, “Those who should establish trust in the state are instead displaying an armory and living lavishly while executing directives rather than justice.”
Concerns Over HSK Officials
A significant aspect of the controversy is the involvement of high-ranking HSK officials in the incriminating photograph. The presence of Osman Nuri Yiğit, the President of the Inspection Board, in the photo has led to questions about the integrity of the investigation. Critics argue that Yiğit, who should be leading the inquiry, is compromised by his apparent endorsement of Tabur’s behavior. Despite these concerns, Yiğit has not been removed from his post, prompting calls for his suspension to ensure an impartial investigation.
Broader Implications
The scandal reflects broader concerns about corruption and integrity within the Turkish judiciary. The allegations against Tabur have revived discussions about the so-called “FETÖ borsası,” a term referring to a bribery network involving public officials who allegedly extorted money from businesspeople by promising not to accuse them of links to the Fethullah Gülen movement. These developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive judicial reforms to restore public confidence in the legal system.
Categories: Turkey Human Rights Blog