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. The investigation follows a series of lawsuits and investigations against Özel regarding his statements at party rallies.

The new investigation was triggered by Özel's statements against the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor at a protest rally following the arrest of the mayor of the Pera district, İnan Güney, on August 15. Özel referred to a "gang" and a "black stain" harming Justice and the Economy, and, addressing the prosecutor, said he would "break his head."

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, Akın Gürlek, has played a role in the prosecution of opposition figures, including Selahattin Demirtaş and Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç called Özel "bankrupt" and urged him to await the results of the corruption investigations.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ