Seen alongside Kılıçdaroğlu: Muharrem İnce responds sharply to funeral photo controversy

Olcay Baykal, the wife of former CHP Chairman Deniz Baykal, has passed away at the age of 88. Olcay Baykal was laid to rest at the State Cemetery following funeral prayers at the Karşıyaka Mosque.

The funeral was attended by CHP's elected Chairman Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who had been brought to the head of the party by a decision of absolute nullity. While Özel shook hands with Kılıçdaroğlu at the funeral, DSP leader Önder Aksakal stood between the two.

Muharrem İnce, who returned to the CHP during the Özgür Özel era after closing the Homeland Party (Memleket Partisi), drew attention for standing next to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Following the images that became a trending topic on social media, Muharrem İnce responded harshly to the criticisms.

In a statement on his X account, İnce asked, "Is there a protocol regarding who stands next to whom in a funeral prayer line?"

Eski Genel Başkanımız rahmetli Deniz Baykal’ın kıymetli eşi Olcay Baykal’ın cenazesine; Sayın Kılıçdaroğlu, Sayın Özel ve birçok eski yeni CHP yöneticisi milletvekili katıldı. Buradan bir kare fotoğraf çekip siyasi analiz yapmak ahlaksızlıktır! Cenazede saf tutulur, sağında… pic.twitter.com/XPIGLyq25E

— Muharrem İnce (@vekilince) July 20, 2026

The full text of İnce's statement is as follows:

"Our former Chairman, the late Deniz Baykal's precious wife Olcay Baykal's funeral was attended by Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu, Mr. Özel, and many former and current CHP executives and deputies. Taking a single photo from here and making a political analysis is immoral! At a funeral, you stand in line; you don't look at who is to your right or left. Believers who have gathered to perform their final duty to the deceased offer their prayers and disperse. Some who think they are opposition members have no sense left, no morality left, no common sense left. Is there a protocol regarding who stands next to whom in a funeral prayer line? Ignoramuses!"

News Source: 12punto