The far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker permitted crime boss Kürşat Yılmaz to use his official car, which was fitted with police lights.
Yılmaz utilized the car when on a visit to Konya. He was freed from jail in 2021 after serving 17 years for being the leader of a criminal organization. With the car registered to MHP Giresun deputy Ertuğrul Gazi Konal, Yılmaz was protected by the police and was not subject to traffic stops or inspections.
The usage of a police-light-equipped car by an individual not eligible for official protection has sparked concerns about power abuse and how easily Yılmaz may evade investigation. According to reports, Konal was not in the car at the time, but under Turkish legislation, cars registered to parliamentarians are automatically protected, making it challenging for law authorities to investigate.
Yılmaz was given early release following the reduction of his 66-year sentence due to an appeal. He was found guilty of offenses including as extortion, assault, and murder.
An supporter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, had earlier pushed for Yılmaz’s release, claiming he was the victim of court wrongdoing. Yılmaz has maintained a strong relationship with Bahçeli ever since his release, having met him not long after his release.
Opponents contend that the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the MHP abuse the legal shield afforded to parliamentary vehicles in order to shield prominent members of organized crime, such as Yılmaz.
