AKP's Süleyman Soylu wins lawsuit against CHP Chairman Özgür Özel: Insulting is not politics

Attorneys for both parties attended the hearing at the Ankara 47th Civil Court of First Instance.

In his statement, Soylu's attorney argued that Özel had attacked his client's personal rights and requested that the lawsuit be accepted.

Özel's attorney argued that his client's statements fell within the scope of political criticism and freedom of expression, and requested the dismissal of the case.

Following the statements, the court announced its verdict, deciding to partially accept the case and ordering Özgür Özel to pay 10 thousand liras in non-pecuniary damages to Soylu.

SÜLEYMAN SOYLU'S ASSESSMENT OF THE COURT'S DECISION

In a statement, Soylu noted that CHP Chairman Özel had once again been sentenced to pay damages for slander and defamation against his person.

"The fact that the words 'there are 550 terrorists, I said this politically,' which I never used, said, or expressed anywhere, are a massive lie has been registered by the court's decision," Soylu stated, emphasizing that one cannot make any progress in politics with lies.

Soylu added the following:

"Going before a crowd in Şişli and using organized lies to slander, incite booing, and insult is not politics. In politics, there can be harsh criticisms even if we do not like them. However, 'producing slander and insults' knowingly and intentionally based on lies is inhumane. This is the second time this year you have hit the wall of slander. Do not pollute politics or humanity with your slanders..."