Turkey probes CHP leader Özel for criticizing top prosecutor
The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the head of Turkey's main opposition CHP, Özgür Özel, for remarks targeting Prosecutor Akın Gürlek who approved the "terrorism" lawsuit against the party's Esenyurt mayor.
Duvar English
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Nov. 29 opened an investigation into Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chair Özgür Özel for “publicly insulting a public official in connection with their duties” and “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism efforts” due to his remarks about Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek on Nov. 26.
Özel has frequently criticized Gürlek, calling him a "mobile guillotine." The investigation followed Özel’s comments earlier today during his visit to Silivri Prison in Istanbul, where he met with Ahmet Özer, the former mayor of Esenyurt who was replaced by a trustee. Referring to Gürlek, Özel said, “Sell lemons with dignity, but don’t meddle with people’s futures or a country’s destiny. Don’t be a tool.”
The Prosecutor’s Office announced that it has initiated an investigation into Özel. Accordingly, the party leader was accused of “publicly insulting a public official in connection with their duties” and “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism efforts.”
Özel responded to the investigation against him on Nov. 29, “Akın Gürlek, your power is limited. Shame on you for drawing your strength not from your diploma but from your masters and the people giving you orders.”
He continued, “One day, Özgür Özel will still be here standing tall, but you may be abroad, attacking us through anonymous Twitter accounts or social media. Or perhaps you will be serving a sentence for these unlawful actions.”
“Repent, apologize, and resign. Step aside and tell the public, ‘I made a mistake; I regret it.’ Let us ensure your future security. No one will harm you if you confess and resign,” he added.