TUSIAD leaders face legal action over alleged spreading of misleading information
Omer Aras (L), Chairman of the High Advisory Board of TUSIAD and Orhan Turan (R), TUSIAD President taken to provide testimony on Feb. 19 (AA Photo).
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has filed a lawsuit against Orhan Turan, head of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD), and Mehmet Omer Arif Aras, head of TUSIAD’s High Advisory Council, on charges of “publicly disseminating misleading information through the press and publication.”
The case follows an investigation launched after statements made by Turan and Aras during TUSIAD’s General Assembly on Feb. 13, 2025.
The prosecution alleges that their remarks included misinformation and attempted to influence the judiciary.
Indictment and potential sentencing
The indictment accuses Turan and Aras of “publicly disseminating misleading information through the press and publication in a continuous manner,” seeking prison sentences ranging from one year and three months to five years and three months.
Additionally, the ongoing investigation into allegations of “attempting to influence fair trial proceedings” has been separated from the current case and remains under review.
Prosecutor’s statement
In a formal statement, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office released: “An indictment has been prepared, and a public lawsuit has been filed against TUSIAD President Orhan Turan and TUSIAD High Advisory Council President Mehmet Omer Arif Aras for the crime of publicly disseminating misleading information through the press and publication. The investigation regarding the crime of attempting to influence the fair trial process has been separated and remains ongoing.”
Background of the investigation
Authorities launched an ex officio investigation following claims that Turan and Aras made statements during the TUSIAD General Assembly that could be classified as misleading and aimed at influencing judicial proceedings.
According to the prosecution, their statements allegedly included elements of misinformation and interference with the legal process, prompting charges under “publicly disseminating misleading information” laws.
