Turkish PM says he is target of graft probe

Recep Tayyip Erdogan stresses he had no connection to the recent corruption scandal in his government

Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces his new ministers in Ankara, Turkey, late Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013  (photo credit: AP Photo)
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces his new ministers in Ankara, Turkey, late Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 (photo credit: AP Photo)

Turkey’s prime minister said Thursday he believes he is the ultimate target of a corruption and bribery probe of his allies that has shaken the government.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a group of journalists that anyone attempting to enmesh him in the scandal would be “left empty handed.” His comments were published in Hurriyet and Yeni Safak newspapers.

Erdogan reshuffled his Cabinet on Wednesday, replacing 10 ministers hours after three ministers, whose sons were detained in relation to the probe, resigned. One of those ministers called on Erdogan to also step down.

The ministers’ sons were questioned over the scandal focusing on alleged illicit money transfers to Iran and bribery for construction projects. Two of them were later arrested on bribery charges.


Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

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