Fist attack on CHP leader Özel! Attacker's statement revealed

The investigation continues into suspect Selçuk Tengioğlu (66), who assaulted Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel by punching him as he was leaving the funeral of Sırrı Süreyya Önder. Following the completion of police procedures, the suspect Selçuk Tengioğlu was transferred to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.

After giving his statement to the prosecutor's office, the suspect was referred to the duty magistrate with a request for arrest on charges of 'intentional injury due to the public duty performed by the person.' The suspect was subsequently arrested by the duty magistrate and sent to prison.

STATEMENT TO THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE REVEALED

Suspect Selçuk Tengioğlu's statement to the prosecutor's office has been revealed. During identity verification, the suspect stated that he is a bodywork master and a day laborer at a restaurant, is a father of 3, and is divorced. In the continuation of his statement, the suspect said, "I previously received 2 aggravated life sentences for the crime of Intentional Homicide and was released in 2020 after spending 16 years in various prisons. Due to my long time in prison and my struggle to make a living, I have no connection with any structure or illegal organization. Furthermore, I am not a member of any political party, association, or similar entity. I currently stay in an apartment in Taksim. In the summers, I generally go to the hotel region in Antalya to work in dishwashing and laundry. After the season ends, I return to Istanbul and stay in the place I mentioned."

Regarding the day of the incident, Selçuk Tengioğlu stated that while walking in Taksim, he saw that there was a funeral for Sırrı Süreyya Önder and wanted to attend the program, saying, "I wanted to be there because I have sympathy for the work and efforts Sırrı Süreyya Önder has made recently for a Terror-Free Turkey. I came to the area in front of the Atatürk Cultural Center. When I arrived at the area, I did not know whether Republican People's Party leader Özgür Özel would be there. I saw Özel enter the area. I was waiting outside when he entered the area.

I did not make a plan to carry out an attack. I stayed in the area until the ceremony ended. It is out of the question that I was waiting for Özel's entry or exit. As I was passing by Özgür Özel, I suddenly hit him in an unplanned manner. I do not remember what happened afterward. However, the incident occurred entirely as a momentary reflex. It is not an incident that was planned or organized beforehand. No one directed me or gave me instructions," he said.