ISTANBUL — In a stunning development that has shaken the Turkish media landscape, Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the General Editor-in-Chief of the major news channel Habertürk TV, has been arrested following a raid by the Istanbul Gendarmerie. The 40-year-old journalist, known for his war reporting and recent rise to the top of the network’s hierarchy, faces grave charges related to drug facilitation and sexual exploitation.
The Arrest and Charges On the night of December 11, 2025, an Istanbul Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered the arrest of Ersoy and three other suspects—Mustafa Manaz, Ufuk Tetik, and Ebru Gülhan—pending trial. The decision followed an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The allegations detailed in the prosecutor’s referral letter (sevk yazısı) paint a picture of illicit activities conducted within private residences. Prosecutors allege that Ersoy and his co-accused:
- Provided a venue and facilities for the consumption of narcotics.
- Procured drugs for women invited to these gatherings.
- Organized group sexual encounters involving more than two people under the influence of these substances.
Perhaps most damaging is the specific allegation that Ersoy used these gatherings to “gain sectoral and material benefits” (sektörel ve maddi menfaat) by involving individuals from his professional circle in these compromised situations. This suggests the prosecution is viewing the case not just as personal drug use, but as a potential ring involving influence peddling or blackmail within the media industry.
Broader Operation and Other Suspects The operation, carried out by the Gendarmerie rather than the police—a detail some analysts find significant given the jurisdictional nuances in Istanbul—initially detained eight individuals.
While Ersoy and three others were sent to prison, four suspects were released under judicial control measures, which typically include travel bans and regular check-ins with authorities. Among those released was Elif Kılınç, the Foreign News Editor for Habertürk, alongside Gizem Aybaktı, Dilara Yıldız, and Buse Öztay.
Professional Fallout The reaction from Ersoy’s employer was swift. Habertürk TV, currently managed by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) as a trustee, announced Ersoy’s dismissal shortly after his detention. In a brief statement, the network declared that the decision was made to ensure the “integrity of the investigation,” effectively distancing the channel from its top executive.
A Career in Contrast The arrest marks a precipitous fall for Ersoy, whose career had been defined by serious, high-risk journalism. Born in Istanbul in 1985, Ersoy made his name as a war correspondent for the state broadcaster TRT. He reported from the front lines of conflicts in Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.
He is perhaps best known internationally for conducting the last televised interview with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi before his death in 2011. He joined Habertürk in 2017, hosting prominent discussion programs like “Nedir Ne Değildir?” before being promoted to General Editor-in-Chief in 2024.
Context of the Crackdown This arrest is part of a widening probe into narcotics use among Turkey’s entertainment and media elite. In recent weeks, several other television presenters and social media figures have been detained for questioning regarding drug use. However, the escalation to charges involving sexual exploitation and “sectoral benefits” marks a significant and darker turn in the investigation.
