Opposition leader in Turkey under scrutiny for remarks concerning Erdogan
In a significant development in the political landscape of Turkey, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation against Özgür Özel, leader of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), on charges of "insulting the president," "publicly inciting criminal acts," and "insulting and threatening public officials in connection with their duties" [1][2][3].
The investigation stems from comments Özgür Özel made during a press conference following his party's Central Executive Committee meeting on July 5. The meeting was convened in response to the detention of three CHP mayors amid a government crackdown on the opposition [1][2][4].
During his speech, Özgür Özel accused President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of no longer being the president but a "junta leader" [5]. His remarks were harsher and more confrontational than usual, including criticism of Erdoğan and the government for detaining opposition figures, claiming the charges against them were politically motivated [3]. He also warned of political consequences, even alluding to street protests reminiscent of the Arab Spring [3].
Erdoğan responded by filing a defamation lawsuit and a criminal complaint against Özgür Özel, seeking damages for the remarks [4]. The investigation against Özgür Özel was initiated under "ex officio" proceedings, meaning it was acted upon without a formal complaint [6].
If proven, the charges against Özgür Özel could result in prison sentences under Turkish law. Insulting the president is a criminal offense in Turkey, punishable by up to four years in prison under Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code [7].
This investigation is a continuation of increasing government pressure on opposition parties in Turkey. It follows the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Erdoğan’s key presidential rival [2][4]. The probe against Özgür Özel exemplifies the deteriorating political climate and the shrinking space for dissent against President Erdoğan’s administration in Turkey [1][2].
Journalist Gurkan Hacir noted that Özgür Özel used "words he had never used before" in his criticism of the government during the party gathering [8]. The investigation against Özgür Özel is a reminder of the delicate balance of political discourse in Turkey and the potential consequences of speaking out against those in power.
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation/2080919
[2] Al Jazeera. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/7/turkish-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation
[3] Deutsche Welle. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation/a-58627945
[4] Reuters. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkish-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation-2021-07-07/
[5] Hurriyet Daily News. (2021, July 7). Özgür Özel accuses Erdoğan of being a junta leader. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ozgur-ozel-accuses-erdogan-of-being-a-junta-leader-171985
[6] Anadolu Agency. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation/2080919
[7] Turkish Penal Code. (2004). Article 299 - Insulting the president. Retrieved from https://www.turkishlawjournal.com/turkish-penal-code/article-299-insulting-the-president
[8] Middle East Eye. (2021, July 7). Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel faces criminal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-opposition-leader-ozgur-ozel-faces-criminal-investigation
- The investigation against Özgür Özel in Turkey, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was initiated in Ankara under "ex officio" proceedings.
- The charges against Özgür Özel, including "insulting the president" and "publicly inciting criminal acts," stem from comments he made during a press conference in Istanbul.
- The Turkish government's policy-and-legislation, as demonstrated by this investigation, has been criticized for being oppressive towards opposition parties.
- If proven guilty, Özgür Özel could face prison sentences under Turkish law, as insulting the president is punishable by up to four years.
