Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik has been appointed as the trustee of Hakkari (Colemêrg) for the second time, despite allegations of corruption and embezzlement with critics pointing to Çelik’s previous track record of financial irregularities and mismanagement.
According to reports, Çelik had previously been responsible for a significant amount of spending on the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) election campaign, using funds from the municipality’s budget. He also oversaw the hiring of many municipal officials and AKP party members through a pro-government union.
During his previous tenure as trustee, Çelik was accused of embezzling funds from the municipality’s budget, leaving it with a debt of 315 million 705 thousand Turkish Lira. The allegations were made by former mayor Mehmet Sıddık Akış, who was removed from office and replaced with a trustee.
