In Ankara, Mehmet Ç. was detained in Keçiören on the grounds that, through AI-generated photos shared in his WhatsApp status, he created the impression that he had ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. It was stated that proceedings had been initiated against the suspect for the offenses of “trading in influence” and “publicly disseminating false information with the aim of creating concern, fear or panic among the public” because of his posts, and that he had 4 separate criminal records. Police procedures are ongoing.
Why it matters
The fact that the case is proceeding on the basis of two separate criminal allegations shows that the investigation is not limited solely to whether the images generated with AI are false. The inquiry also covers whether this content was intended to create the perception of having connections to public officials and wielding influence. Therefore, the decisive issue will be the purpose for which the suspect prepared and published the posts, rather than whom they may have misled. Although the suspect’s previous criminal records are included in the case file, this does not mean that the current allegations have been proven. Once the police procedures are completed, it will become clear how the investigation will proceed before the judicial authorities and how the posts will be assessed in terms of public order.
Background
Erdoğan is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 18 reports mentioning this name in the last 90 days; the latest was dated September 18, 2026.