Opposition parties' group proposals rejected in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey

In the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the group proposals regarding the agenda submitted by the CHP, DEM Party, IYI Party, and Saadet Party were not accepted.

Speaking on her party's group proposal, Saadet Party Antalya Deputy Serap Yazıcı Özbudun drew attention to the fact that problems and grievances resulting from phone fraud are increasingly rising.

Explaining that fraudsters who introduce themselves as public prosecutors or police chiefs on the phone demand money from citizens by using terrorist organizations as an excuse, Özbudun stated the following:

"There is a fundamental rule in criminal proceedings. When there is an accusation against a person, the accuser is obliged to prove their claim. However, the burden of proof has been reversed in Turkey for a long time. An innocent citizen against whom a criminal case has been filed for some reason is forced to prove their own innocence. This is one of the reasons that trigger such fraud. Another is that our personal data is unfortunately circulating in everyone's hands. Although our Constitution guarantees this, we unfortunately live in a system where our personal data is not protected because we live in a society that has become de-constitutionalized. Thus, phone fraudsters can reach their targets quickly."

IYI Party Tekirdağ Deputy Selcan Hamşıoğlu stated that they are going through a period where even government ministers are experiencing grievances regarding phone fraud, saying, "We believe that such a commission would be beneficial so that the grievances of ordinary citizens who do not have any political title or status can also be resolved quickly."

DEM Party Hakkari Deputy Onur Düşünmez also argued that qualified fraud crimes, which are entirely based on the intention to intimidate, pressure, or deceive, organized by individuals both domestically and abroad, are increasing day by day in Turkey.

CHP Elazığ Deputy Gürsel Erol announced that they support the Saadet Party's motion and will vote 'in favor'.

''21 THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE APPREHENDED IN 2023''

AK Party Antalya Deputy Kemal Çelik stated that activities are continuing by the General Directorate of Security teams to raise awareness among citizens against fraud methods carried out using technology.

Stating that the crime of fraud was included in the scope of catalog crimes in 2016, Çelik shared the information: "In 2023, 18 thousand 655 incidents occurred and 21 thousand people were apprehended; in the 4-month period of 2024, 3 thousand 418 incidents of this nature occurred, and 5 thousand 300 people involved in these incidents were apprehended. Furthermore, in 2023, 1609 people were apprehended in 121 planned operations aimed at dismantling organizations committing fraud crimes, and in 2024, 1056 people were apprehended in 108 planned operations."

Emphasizing that the fight against phone and internet fraud and cybercrimes is being carried out seriously, Çelik said, "Our serious fight to eliminate these crimes continues, and today it is at the lowest level on a global scale. We must definitely maintain our trust in the state and the rule of law and support this determined struggle."

In the votes held after the discussions, the group proposals regarding the agenda of the CHP, DEM Party, IYI Party, and Saadet Party were not accepted.

In the General Assembly, the motion by CHP Istanbul Deputy Ali Gökçek regarding the direct inclusion of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the Execution of Penal and Security Measures and Other Laws into the agenda was also discussed.

Gökçek claimed that according to experts' statements, the number of unlicensed weapons in Turkey has exceeded the number of licensed weapons, and said that this problem must be prevented.

Gökçek asked, "We are exposed to a violent incident where unlicensed weapons are used almost every day. How is it possible that even a 17-year-old child can obtain an unlicensed weapon in the middle of Istanbul for 10 thousand liras?"

AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Muhammet Emin Akbaşoğlu stated that a legal regulation is being prepared regarding the use of unlicensed weapons, saying, "A comprehensive study is being carried out on this issue together with our Ministry of Interior. A more detailed study is being conducted regarding the entirety of unlicensed weapons, such as the trigger, grip, firing pin, and hammer of the weapon."

In the vote held after the discussions, the motion regarding the direct inclusion of the draft law into the agenda was not accepted.

Afterwards, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey moved on to the discussions of the Draft Law on the Foundation for Strengthening the Foreign Service.

News Source: AA