Bahçeli implies his threats against opposition made ‘for the sake of politics’
During a reception held for the opening of the new legislative term, gov't ally far-right MHP leader Bahçeli told main opposition CHP leader Özel, "Don't worry, sometimes we have to say these for sake of politics" for his threats against the opposition. Bahçeli also shook hands with pro-Kurdish DEM Party leaders and deputies, and said “We're entering a new era.”
Duvar English
Turkey's government-ally, far-right MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli on Oct. 01 first threatened journalists and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) during the day, then told CHP leader Özgür Özel that his attacks were made "for the sake of politics, don't worry."
The Turkish parliament started its new legislative term on Oct. 01.
During the parliamentary group meeting of his party, Bahçeli commented on the case of murdered former Grey Wolves (“Ülkü Ocakları”) head Sinan Ateş.
Ateş was assassinated by two people on a motorcycle while leaving a building on Dec. 30, 2022, in the capital Ankara. His family has been accusing senior MHP figures of the murder.
“It is simply shameless for the CHP's chair to be at the courthouse gates with a handful of MHP enemies. All anti-Turkey elements have come together and tried to dishonorably accuse the MHP with a murder case. I say to you Özgür Özel; your allegations are rotten just like your person. Everyone should know their limits and avoid boundary violations,” Bahçeli said, calling Özel “rotten.”
Moreover, he once again threatened journalists, and said, “Halk TV and CHP, watch your steps. You cannot question the MHP with four clown journalists.”
During the reception held on the same day, Bahçeli told Özel, “I hope we don't hurt each other. Don’t worry, sometimes we have to say these for sake of politics. As a matter of politics.”
In response, Özel said, “No, no, no. Everyone says what they think is right. The important thing is not to show lack of respect and love while saying what you know right.”
Moreover, Bahçeli shook hands with the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party leaders and deputies on the opening session.
When asked about this later in the reception, Bahçeli said, “We are entering a new era. While we want peace in the world, we need to ensure peace in our own country.”
Previously, Bahçeli on several occasions called for the closure of the DEM Party, accusing them of collaborating with the outlawed PKK.