Criminal complaint filed against CHP Chairman Özel by families of martyrs and veterans

Following CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's statements targeting Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, the criminal complaint was filed on behalf of the families of martyrs and veterans by Abbas Gündüz, a terror veteran and Chairman of the July 15 Democracy Martyrs, Veterans and Terror Victims Association.

In the criminal complaint filed with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Gündüz requested that CHP Chairman Özgür Özel be prosecuted for 'public insult against a public official (Turkish Penal Code 125/3-a), slander (Turkish Penal Code 267/1-9), and other crimes to be determined ex officio.'

Gündüz, who filed the complaint through his lawyer, stated that by directly targeting Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, Özgür Özel had leveled criticisms regarding judicial independence, the functioning of the justice mechanism, allegations of political influence, and the legal system. Gündüz said, "In his statements, Özgür Özel included some of Akın Gürlek's past judicial decisions and terms of office, which were frequently criticized by the opposition. Özgür Özel's latest outburst has completely crossed the line.

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek's disclosure of his assets is a sign that Özgür Özel has gone off the rails. Our nation is always by Akın Gürlek's side. Akın Gürlek has the strong support of the people behind him. However, with the statements he made today, CHP leader Özgür Özel has shown disrespect not only to one person but also to our belief in the manifestation of justice. As the people, we know that Akın Gürlek has based his work on the rule of law throughout his tenure and has not shied away from taking responsibility during difficult times. This stance has found resonance in every segment of society. Of course, not everyone may agree.

However, we clearly see that a large segment of the public, which wants justice to function strongly and decisively, stands with Gürlek. For us, the issue is not about individuals, but about principles. It is about the impartiality of the law, the non-delay of justice, and its equal application for everyone. With this understanding, we continue to listen to the voices of all who believe in justice, and Özgür Özel, who has allowed himself to be caught in a spiral of slander, must immediately apologize to Akın Gürlek and the great Turkish nation. As families of martyrs and veterans, we always stand with our Minister Akın Gürlek. We have filed a criminal complaint against Özgür Özel with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office," he said.