Feti Yıldız’s ‘Secret Witness’ remarks heat up politics: First reaction from CHP
MHP’s Feti Yıldız’s remarks from the parliamentary podium, emphasizing that one should “think a thousand times” before making arrests, have caused a stir in the political agenda. CHP Spokesperson Zeynel Emre stated that the words were reminiscent of the March 19 operations, adding that “the MHP needs to overcome its contradictions.”
12punto
Speaking during the budget negotiations for the high judiciary in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız drew attention to the universal principles of law and stated that arrest decisions should be made only after “thinking a thousand times.” Yıldız also pointed to the importance of decisions based on secret witness testimonies, stating that these practices should be handled with sensitivity.
REMARKS REMINISCENT OF THE MARCH 19 OPERATIONS
Yıldız’s statements directly brought the March 19 operations to the public agenda. During the process in which CHP figures, including presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, were arrested, there were criticisms that arrest decisions—the most severe measure—were being routinized and that secret witness testimonies were being used as a deciding factor. It is known that Yıldız has made similar assessments in the past.
Following these developments, all eyes turned to the CHP, and the first assessment came from Party Spokesperson Zeynel Emre. According to a report by Sarp Sağkal from Cumhuriyet newspaper, Emre answered journalists' questions at a press conference held with the new CHP administration.
“THE MHP NEEDS TO OVERCOME THESE CONTRADICTIONS”
Responding to questions regarding Feti Yıldız’s criticisms of secret witnesses and whether there would be any contact between the MHP and the CHP, Emre pointed out that there has been no statement from the MHP since the March 19 operations claiming that “what was done was correct.” Emre emphasized that in Turkish Criminal Law, the secret witness practice is related to terrorism crimes and does not apply to corruption cases, stating the following:
“Mr. Feti is already pointing to this issue. They said let there be a broadcast on TRT, but then they took a step back. We submitted motions, they were rejected. Sometimes they backtrack on what they say. They have contradictions; the MHP needs to overcome these contradictions.”