Turkey: Investigation Against CHP Leader Özgür Özel

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation against the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, regarding his statements at party rallies.

This investigation follows a series of investigations and lawsuits against Özel, subsequent to the arrests and dismissals of 16 CHP mayors, starting with the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, on March 19.

It was preceded by a lawsuit filed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding Özel's statements on August 13, seeking compensation of 21,200 euros for non-pecuniary damage.

The new investigation concerns Özel's statements against the Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, Akın Gürlek, following the arrest of the mayor of the historical Pera district, İnan Güney, on August 15, as part of corruption investigations.

Özel referred to a 'gang' and a 'black stain,' and addressing Gürlek, he said he would 'break his head'.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç called Özel 'bankrupt'.

Source: APE-MPE