Özgür Özel reacts to those images: 'It touched a nerve, it hurt me'

Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel made sharp statements in his hometown of Manisa on the first day of Eid al-Adha after the holiday prayer. Speaking outside the Hatuniye Mosque, Özel reacted specifically to the photos of those detained as part of the operation against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality that were 'leaked with police escort.'

Özel said, 'They take a friend of ours, who has been married for six months, from his home at six in the morning. They make his neighbors witnesses, they search the house thoroughly. They put two police officers on his arms and parade him through the streets. It touched a nerve, it hurt me. These actions are images from 50-60 years ago. I will not see those images again. I will make those who cause this regret it a thousand times over.' he said.

Stating that CHP mayors are being targeted for character assassination through slander, Özel said, 'The referee is the nation. Our friends were elected with record votes just a year ago. We were the second party for years, but we did not attempt a coup. We worked, we succeeded. The government, however, could not even tolerate it for 47 months.'

Continuing his reaction to the detention process, Özel said, 'Actions contrary to the Constitution and the law are being taken. The presumption of innocence is being ignored. Photos are being leaked to present people as if they are guilty. These things used to be done to politicians during coup eras. Today, they are being deemed appropriate for CHP members.'

''WHAT WAS NOT DONE TO ERDOĞAN IS BEING DONE TO US''

Recalling the accusations directed at President Erdoğan in the past, Özel said, "Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was never taken away from his wife Emine's side for even a single day. He was tried without arrest, received a sentence, and surrendered upon summons. Today, however, our friends are being detained in front of their spouses and children."

''CALL FOR EARLY ELECTIONS'' 

Touching upon the economic crisis in his speech, Özel said, "While the hunger threshold has exceeded 24,000 liras, retirees are deemed worthy of only 10,400 TL. Farmers are alone, tradesmen are miserable, and youth unemployment is high. Turkey cannot carry this burden. We must bring the ballot box to the people to end this suffering."

Özgür Özel concluded his remarks by saying, "We will not bow down to this injustice. It is my duty to protect the rights of this party and the law of the people. I stand by everything I have said here today."

News Source: 12punto