Turkish gov't seeks to strip main opposition MP of parliamentary immunity after criticizing Erdoğan
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) seeks to strip main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Engin Özkoç after branding his criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as insults. An investigation was launched into the lawmaker, which was followed by the submission of a motion to lift his parliamentary immunity.
Duvar English
Turkish government seeks to strip main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Engin Özkoç of his parliamentary immunity, following a massive brawl in parliament.
A fistfight erupted in parliament on March 4 between deputies of the CHP and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after Özkoç criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Özkoç's remarks were deemed as insults to Erdoğan by the AKP, prompting the President to file a lawsuit worth one million Turkish Liras against the main opposition deputy.
In addition, an investigation was launched into Özkoç, which was followed by the Justice Ministry immediately sending a summary of proceedings for the lawmaker to parliament.
"The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation. An investigation means the preparation of a summary of proceedings since he is a deputy," Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül said on March 5.
"The summary of proceedings that was prepared with the investigation was sent to our ministry and our ministry sent it to parliament. Hence, the following process is up to parliament," he added.
The next day, a motion to lift Özkoç's parliamentary immunity was sent to parliament, alongside 27 other lawmakers.
Among the 55 files sent to parliament on 28 deputies, three were prepared for Özkoç.