Closure debates for CHP on the agenda: Pro-government legal experts escalate claims

The Republican People's Party (CHP), which emerged from the ballot box as the leading party in the March 31, 2024, Local Elections, has become a target for circles close to the government following allegations regarding various corruption investigations. In particular, legal experts and media outlets close to the AKP have recently opened the option of a closure case for discussion, citing the claim that these allegations extend to the party's headquarters. These calls are being covered increasingly frequently and openly in media outlets close to the AKP.

In the May 13 headline of the Türkiye newspaper, operations against the CHP and potential legal processes were discussed in detail. In the report, lawyer Serdar Tokdemir, who was an AKP parliamentary candidate nominee in 2023, shared his view that the allegation that the family of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek brought 1 million Euros to the Headquarters would have significant consequences for the party. Tokdemir suggested that the allegations could lead both the party convention process and the party's top management into greater legal risks. At the same time, he emphasized that similar developments could trigger a constitutional party closure process in addition to an "absolute nullity" lawsuit.

Legal expert Hadi Dündar also stated in his remarks, "If the CHP is being financed with secret and black money, and if this money was received with the knowledge of the Headquarters, this situation could pave the way for the party's closure under the constitution."

CLEAR STATEMENT FROM CHP

As the debates grow, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made important statements regarding the possibility of a closure case in an exclusive interview he gave to SÖZCÜ TV on May 8. Özel stated that there is no special preparation against absolute nullity, but that they have a backup party plan in the event of a closure case.

Özel used the following expressions:

• "Going back three years and canceling the convention or something like that is not possible. It is not something that can happen. If it does, what happens? There would be very heavy political pressure."
• "I do not know or recognize the relevant committee, but I am saying this independently of the individuals: This can only happen with extraordinary political pressure and coercion. Look, let the court give its own decision, but trying to intervene in the Republican People's Party with such methods is free. That is all. Oh, if absolute nullity comes, this will happen, that will happen..."
• "Let them try. The AK Party would be devastated. The nation does not forgive such things. It is very clear. Oh, they say the CHP will establish another party... I have said it before: Is there a backup party? Yes. But not against absolute nullity; against a closure case. The field of struggle against absolute nullity is the CHP itself. We will not take an authority that the delegates did not give us here. And we will not leave the flag that the delegates placed in our hands to anyone."

Against the closure allegations coming from the government front, the CHP management has sent a message of struggle, clearly stating its stance against legal processes turning into political pressure.

News Source: 12punto