CHP leader Özgür Özel issues directive after attack: 'Do not engage'

Sözcü newspaper columnist Saygı Öztürk wrote about the attack that occurred after the funeral ceremony held for former HDP MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away recently. Shedding light on the background of the incident where CHP Chairman Özgür Özel was punched by an individual while leaving the ceremony, Öztürk pointed to a detail that caused a security vulnerability. He wrote that Özgür Özel had instructed his bodyguards, "Do not get between me and the public."

“HE DOES NOT ALLOW A CORRIDOR TO BE FORMED”

In his article, Öztürk stated, “The bodyguards cannot work comfortably with us. The Chairman warns, ‘Please do not get between me and the public.’ He also does not want a security corridor to be formed in front of him. This allows potential attackers to approach easily,” he noted.

“THOSE WHO APPEAR TO BE PARTY MEMBERS ATTACK”

According to the article, the open environment created around Özel increases the mobility of attackers. Öztürk said, “People who approach the Chairman from his right or left, appearing as if they are party members, take action to attack.”

“WARNINGS MUST BE HEEDED”

Saygı Öztürk stated that the warnings of the bodyguards must be taken into account to prevent such situations from recurring. Öztürk warned, “If it is desired to prevent such incidents, it is essential to listen to the warnings and suggestions of the bodyguards. The person being protected, that is, the Chairman, must also show this sensitivity.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

CHP leader Özgür Özel, who attended the funeral ceremony held today at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) for TBMM Group Deputy Chairman Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away recently, was subjected to a physical assault.

It was observed that Özel held his head after the attack and his bodyguards intervened.

In his first statement regarding the attack, CHP Diyarbakır MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu said, "A shameless person, a scoundrel, a provocateur. A provocateur who calls himself a child of the Ottomans."

It was also revealed that the attacker is 66 years old and has a criminal record for various offenses.