Turkish MP Mustafa Sarıgül, representing Erzincan, announced his resignation from Yeni Parti effective October 28, sharing on social media a letter he sent to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). He stated that he was stepping down to shield his party from the controversy surrounding an ongoing criminal investigation.
In his statement, Sarıgül said: "I am resigning from Yeni Parti membership until the investigation concludes. Justice will prevail within the framework of the rule of law, truth and conscience, and I will return to my party."
The investigation was launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office following a complaint by two German nationals, who alleged that shell companies were used to launder large sums of money of unclear origin. The complainants claimed that over 100 million euros had been illegally transferred abroad and that a fund worth one billion euros had been promised for overseas transfer via credit arrangements. They also alleged they were threatened after handing documents to journalist Murat Ağırel.
A total of 22 people were detained in the investigation, including Sarıgül's ex-wife Aylin Kotil, his sons Ömer and Emir Sarıgül, and journalist Murat Ağırel. Also taken into custody were Uğur Kurtulan, owner of a forensic bureau alleged to have prepared reports declaring footage related to Sarıgül and former politician Deniz Baykal's tape to be fabricated, and a person identified as Ömer D., described as Sarıgül's bodyguard.
Yeni Parti leader Özgür Özel said he had spoken with Sarıgül two days prior, describing how the MP broke down in tears while recounting the situation. "He told me his ex-wife, his children, and others close to him were all under arrest, and insisted everything was slander — a great injustice," Özel said. He also clarified that Turkish party law does not provide for suspending membership, meaning Sarıgül's request was treated as a full resignation, which had been formally reported to the Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor's Office.
Sarıgül maintained that a significant information distortion surrounded the case and warned that his lawyers would file criminal complaints against those violating the presumption of innocence, breaching investigative confidentiality, or spreading false and misleading information.
