[54055] Turkey: Official investigation launched against opposition leader Özgür Özel
[54055] Turkey: Official investigation launched against opposition leader Özgür Özel
The Turkish prosecutor's office has launched an investigation against opposition leader Özgür Özel following his remarks against Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç.
Turkey: Criminal investigation against opposition leader Özgür Özel
The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an official investigation against the chairman of the opposition party (CHP), Özgür Özel, as reported by numerous Turkish media channels including Son Dakika Haberler Türkiye and GündemX. The background of the investigation concerns allegations of spreading misleading information and undermining public order, following Özel's statements regarding the Minister of Justice, Yılmaz Tunç.
According to reports in A Haber, a media outlet affiliated with government positions, the investigation was initiated by the prosecutor's office ("resen") due to what was defined as "false statements" directed at the Minister and attempts to harm public peace.
Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç responded sharply to the claims against him, defining Özel's words as an "attack on the dignity of the state and its national security." In a quote brought by Sondakika Haber Gündem, Tunç stated: "Turkish justice does not take orders from anyone and does not surrender to threats". He added that Özel's claims are nothing more than a "wind of lies" intended to defame the connection between him and the President.
The affair is sparking wide media repercussions, with diverse media outlets such as TGRT HABER and Haber Gündem highlighting the severity of the allegations raised by the opposition and the determined official response of the Turkish Ministry of Justice.