Two senior leaders of TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry and Business Association), Turkey’s largest business association, have faced legal action and travel restrictions due to their critical remarks about the government13.
Key events:
: On February 14, 2025, Turkish prosecutors initiated an investigation into Ömer Aras, Chair of TÜSİAD’s High Advisory Council, for his critical remarks on governance and oversight3.
: On February 20, 2025, Orhan Turan (TÜSİAD’s head) and Ömer Aras were banned from foreign travel by an Istanbul court1.
: Both Aras and Turan were taken from their homes by police to give statements to prosecutors1.
: They face accusations of “attempting to influence fair trial proceedings and publicly disseminating false information”13.
Background:
The controversy stemmed from critical speeches made by TÜSİAD leaders, particularly Aras’s February 13 speech highlighting issues such as arrests of journalists, removal of mayors, and a general “crisis of confidence” in the country3.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused TÜSİAD of overstepping and attempting to influence the judiciary and politics2.
TÜSİAD, representing nearly 4,500 companies and accounting for 85% of Turkey’s foreign trade, defended its right to speak out on national issues12.
This incident has sparked debate about freedom of expression and the relationship between the government and business community in Turkey13.
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