Politics · Turkey · 7 hrs ago
Özgür Özel criticizes coverage of investigation into Sarıgül family
Opposition leader Özgür Özel criticized a newspaper’s coverage of an investigation into the Sarıgül family in Turkey.
The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, concerns allegations of money laundering.
The newspaper said it had reported details of the investigation, while Özel said on a programme that he did not know whether the claims about a family member and the family’s son were true.
He added, “I only know this from Sabah Newspaper.”
Özel had also targeted broadcaster A Haber, saying earlier that it would not be allowed to broadcast.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized those remarks and said people who threaten media outlets cannot lecture others on press freedom.
The story does not say whether the investigation has reached a decision or what happens next.
Özgür Özel criticized Sabah’s coverage of an investigation involving the Sarıgül family, according to Sabah.
In a television appearance, Özel said he did not know whether a Sarıgül family member’s bodyguard had made a statement or whether the family member’s son had become an informant.
He added that he was relying on Sabah’s reporting for those claims.
Sabah described the investigation as a money-laundering probe conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The article also recalled Özel’s earlier criticism of broadcaster A Haber and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s response to his remarks about the broadcaster.
- Who
- Özgür Özel criticized Sabah’s reporting; Sabah reported on his remarks.
- What
- Özel questioned what had been reported about an investigation involving the Sarıgül family.
- When
- Sabah published its article on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- The investigation was conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office; Özel made the remarks during a broadcast.
- Why
- Özel said he did not know whether the reported claims about a bodyguard and a son becoming an informant were true.
Özgür Özel
Sabah
Reporting on the investigation
Özgür Özel
Özel said he did not know whether a Sarıgül family bodyguard had made a statement or whether the son had become an informant, adding that he was relying on Sabah’s account.
Sabah
Sabah said it had reported details of the investigation and portrayed Özel’s remarks as an attack on its coverage.
Özel had criticized A Haber, and Sabah said he had used the phrase “We won't let you broadcast.
Sabah published its report about Özel’s criticism of its coverage of the Sarıgül family investigation.
- Investigation authority
- Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office
- Investigation subject
- Sarıgül family
- Investigation type
- Money laundering
- Publication date
- October 28, 2026
- Statement by Özel
- He said he was relying on Sabah’s account
1 source
What people are saying
Sarıgül's bodyguard said this? Did his son become an informant? We don't know any of it. I'm relying on Sabah.