Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 14
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
Former director general of Turkish Halkbank Suleyman Aslan, arrested as part of anti-corruption operations in Turkey in December 2013, has been released, TRT haber TV channel reported on Feb. 14.
Eight more people were also released.
New Director General Ali Fuat Tashkesenlioglu, who was a member of the bank board, was appointed to Turkish Halkbank in February.
Turkish police conducted special operations in Istanbul and Ankara on Dec.17, 2013, resulting in the arrest of several dozen people including businessmen and the sons of some ministers. The detainees were accused of corruption, smuggling and selling drugs.
The Mayor of Istanbul's Fatih Municipality, Mustafa Demir, Director General of Turkish Halkbank Suleyman Aslan and well known entrepreneur Ali Agaoglu were arrested during the same operation by police. Searches were conducted at Halkbank's office.
After a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in late December, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new cabinet of ministers.
Translated by NH
Edited by SM