Leaked-tape scandal engulfs Erdogan
ANKARA // A chief prosecutor’s office yesterday initiated an investigation into audio recordings purportedly of Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordering his son to dispose of vast amounts of cash amid accusations alleging bribery and corruption.
The investigation came as opposition parties demanded that Mr Erdogan’s government resign.
Mr Erdogan met Turkey’s intelligence chief shortly after voice recordings of two people – alleged to be Mr Erdogan and his son – circulated on the internet on Monday.
The voices were heard discussing means of getting rid of large amounts of money from an undisclosed residence.
A statement issued by Mr Erdogan’s office later said the tapes were fabricated and that legal action would be taken against those responsible.
It was unknown if the inquiry by Ankara’s chief prosecutor was to determine the tape’s authenticity or a possible criminal act by the prime minister.
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Action Party, called the tape mindblowing and urged prosecutors and other judicial bodies to intervene.
The Republican People’s Party, Turkey’s main opposition, claimed to have verified the authenticity of the recordings through three or four channels and called on Mr Erdogan to either resign or flee.
Mr Erdogan lashed out at Turkish and foreign enemies he claimed were conspiring to bring his government down. “This is a treacherous act against the prime minister of Turkey.”
The recordings, which reportedly took place on December 17, when three cabinet ministers’ sons were detained in the police corruption and bribery investigation, have not been independently verified.
The government said the investigations were orchestrated by followers of a moderate Islamic movement led by US-based imam Fethullah Gulen. Mr Gulen denies involvement.