Justice system engages with opposition leader Özel in Turkey
In the heart of Turkey's political landscape, opposition leader Özgür Özel finds himself embroiled in a series of legal challenges. The Turkish General Prosecutor's Office has initiated a new investigation against him, this time for "insulting the President," Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This latest probe, initiated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in early July 2025, adds to the ongoing judicial probes Özel is already facing.
The investigations against Özel stem from remarks made at a press conference following a party meeting on Saturday. He is alleged to have insulted President Erdoğan, made threats against decision-makers in authorities, and incited a crime. Previously, Özel was under investigation for remarks targeting Istanbul’s chief prosecutor at a rally on June 4, 2025, accused of "threatening a judicial official" and "publicly insulting a public official."
These legal pressures on Özel come amid heightened political tensions in Turkey. As a key opposition figure, he is facing intensified scrutiny as government supporters seek to contain opposition influence. The penalty for the offense of insulting a public official, under which Özel is being investigated, can range from one to two years in prison.
The current investigations against Özel and other CHP politicians are part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures in Turkey's charged political climate. This is particularly evident in the recent arrest of three CHP mayors over the weekend and the arrest of Imamoglu, Erdogan's most important political rival, on March 19 on corruption charges, which he denies. Imamoglu's arrest sparked the largest wave of protests in Turkey since the so-called Gezi protests in 2013.
The investigations against CHP politicians follow Erdogan's increasing pressure on the opposition party. The CHP achieved a major victory against his Islamic-conservative AKP in last year's local elections, a fact that seems to have heightened the tensions. Thousands were arrested during the largest wave of protests in Turkey since the Gezi protests in 2013, sparked by Imamoglu's arrest.
According to Turkish media, Özel's parliamentary immunity could be lifted, making it possible to sentence him to imprisonment if found guilty. The Turkish government's actions against the CHP are seen as an attempt to weaken the opposition party, a move that could potentially shift the political balance in the country.
As the political drama unfolds, Özel has been vocal about the arrest of his party colleague, Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is currently imprisoned as part of corruption investigations. The ongoing investigations against him and other CHP politicians underscore the complex political landscape in Turkey, where the future of the opposition party and its leaders hang in the balance.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget regarding the ongoing investigations against opposition leader Özgür Özel, as politics in Turkey becomes increasingly charged. These investigations, which include allegations of offensive remarks towards President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and threats against authorities, are part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures, as the Turkish government seeks to weaken the opposition party and potentially shift the political balance in the country.
