Insulting the President charge against Ümit Özdağ: Up to 4 years and 8 months in prison requested

The investigation launched against Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ regarding remarks he made about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his party's provincial chairmen consultation meeting on January 19, 2025, has been completed. In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Ümit Özdağ is listed as the 'suspect', while Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is listed as the 'complainant'.

"IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ERDOĞAN'S PRESIDENTIAL DUTIES"

The prepared indictment states that the expressions used by the suspect Özdağ were words and statements that damaged the honor, dignity, and reputation of the President. The indictment, which also includes the statement of the suspect Özdağ, notes that he said, "There is no insult in any part of the words I uttered, and it has nothing to do with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's presidential duties. As I stated, the content of the speech is in the nature of a response to the words uttered by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in his capacity as 'Chairman'."

REQUEST FOR UP TO 4 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS IN PRISON

The prepared indictment requests that the suspect Ümit Özdağ be sentenced to between 1 year and 2 months and 4 years and 8 months in prison for the crime of "publicly insulting the President." On the other hand, it was learned that investigation proceedings are continuing regarding the charge of 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility or degrading them', for which the suspect Özdağ is currently being held in custody.

News Source: 12punto