Claim from Osman Gökçek: Özgür Özel said 'occupy the podium'

AKP MP Osman Gökçek made statements regarding the tension that occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of Akın Gürlek, who was appointed as Minister of Justice, and Mustafa Çiftçi, who was brought to the Ministry of Interior, at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly. Gökçek, who threw punches and kicks at CHP deputies, including CHP MP Mahmut Tanal, during the brawl in Parliament, said, "Their main goal there was to make a move against the Minister and try to prevent our democratic, constitutional right. I see that they cannot digest it because they encountered a stance they did not expect against this bandit-like attitude." 

Speaking to A Haber, Gökçek said, "When our Minister arrived yesterday, he took his place in the white area in the back section reserved for ministers. When I saw that he was alone at first, I noticed some names from the opposition benches standing up and heading in that direction. I immediately went there as well, and thinking that there might be an attempt against our Minister, I stood in front of him," he said. 

"I have no regrets, I would do the same thing tomorrow"

Arguing that the CHP deputies violated the Constitution, Gökçek stated, "To say to a minister appointed by our President, who was elected by the votes of the citizens of the Republic of Turkey, 'we will not let you take the oath, we will not let you speak' is to disregard the constitution and fuels violence." Saying, "Walking to the podium is a sign of a fight, and it is responded to," Gökçek continued as follows: "I have no regrets at all. If the same event happened tomorrow, I would do it again. If there is a price to pay from a legal perspective, I am ready to pay it."

"Özel called after the Silivri visit and gave the instruction to 'occupy the podium'"

Gökçek shared a claim regarding CHP Chairman Özgür Özel with these words: "It is alleged that Ali Mahir Başarır and Murat Emir within the CHP did not look favorably on such an attempt at first and spoke in favor of listening. However, information has come that Özgür Özel called by phone after leaving Silivri and gave the instruction to 'occupy the podium.' The sudden change in attitude after Silivri is remarkable. Indeed, some CHP deputies did not get up from their seats; they had no objections to the oath. But it is very clear that an instruction came from somewhere for the podium occupation."