Özgür Özel reveals the person he approaches with 'suspicion' regarding the attack! 'A message was sent to withdraw from the streets'

The Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) was attacked while leaving the AKM following a ceremony held for DEM Party Istanbul MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder.

It has emerged that Selçuk Tengioğlu, who attacked Özel, had previously killed 2 children and injured 2 others, and was released under judicial control in 2020 despite having received a life sentence.

While the investigation into the attack continues, CHP leader Özgür Özel made statements. Speaking to Halk TV columnist İsmail Saymaz, Özel emphasized that the attack was planned.

Speaking about his vehicle not being allowed into the parking lot, Özel noted the following:

“We took the coffin to the funeral vehicle. When I came back from there, the hall had emptied. Our team said, “They didn't let our vehicle into the parking lot, we will exit through the door we entered.” I said, “Why wouldn't they let it in.” Deputy Police Chief Murat Özbek, getting a bit angry at our security detail, did not let us into the parking lot. Our team prefers the parking lot for security reasons. They want to use the elevator to get in and out. What our team said is that the vehicles of Efkan Ala and others were taken into the parking lot. Our team was reactive about our vehicle not being taken in. The driver insisted, “They took everyone else, they didn't take us.” That's why I had to walk through there (the door). The man was waiting exactly there. I am not blaming any institution or any party. But it is very clear that it was a pre-planned job. From the man's preparation, his location… I see him while walking, his face is turned towards me. He turns as if to give way by turning his back. He leans to the right as if he is going to hit with a golf club. He comes rapidly and tries to hit. I saw him coming. I pulled my head back by reflex. But it is very clear; he planned it beforehand…

Because our car was stopped there (at the door) due to the Deputy Police Chief's stubbornness, the man knew we would pass through the place he had been waiting since the morning. Actually, it is impossible for someone to know. Who would know that I would linger by the coffin for 15-16 minutes? Everyone had dispersed, the huge hall was empty.“

“THERE IS A PERSON I APPROACH WITH SUSPICION”

Stating, “I do not approach the attitudes of the Minister of Interior, the Istanbul Police, or the Governor with suspicion,” Özel said, “There is one person I approach with suspicion: That deputy police chief forced us to pass through there. Why wouldn't he take the vehicle? Every MP's vehicle enters the parking lot of every official institution. I have been an MP for 13 years, there is no parking lot I haven't been able to enter. He says, “You cannot enter, you will stand here.” He forced me to exit. If you ask, “Who made you pass through there?”, the deputy police chief made me pass,” he stated.

When asked by Saymaz about the deputy police chief, “Is there a connection with the attacker?”, Özel gave the following response:

“Whether there is or isn't, I don't know. It is entrusted to the Minister of Interior and the Istanbul Governor. But I have a serious suspicion. Everyone who experienced the event with me, starting from my driver, conveys the same thing. They should open an investigation into the deputy police chief. Our security team, driver, and MPs should provide the necessary information to the investigators. If this is not done, the burden will remain on the state. If this is done, if there is a fault or a connection, it will come to light.”

Özel continued as follows:

“This is an incitement. Someone is sending a message to me, to the CHP, and to the opposition, saying “Watch your step.” If this person had done it on their own, I would say “the polarizing language and harsh rhetoric have an effect.” A circle, a group, someone, is sending me a message. The man said in his first statement; “I was angry at the street calls.” “Withdraw from the streets, do not hold rallies, reconsider the opposition you are doing in the new term, the steps you are taking, otherwise…” They put three dots.”

IS THERE A SECURITY VULNERABILITY?

Özel also spoke about the discussions on security vulnerability that started after the attack. Stating that the vulnerability was his own, Özel said, “The large bodyguards walking in front of me, looking carefully at everyone, can be misunderstood especially when they come into contact with other party members at funerals or during mourning. I told the friend who would do that, “Don't let this one in front walk,” before entering the AKM. The bodyguards walk in a diamond pattern. I also said for those on the two sides of the diamond, “Friends, work broadly,” and I sent them away. Whatever emerged, in terms of the appearance of vulnerability, emerged with my instruction. I did it so they wouldn't cut off contact with the public and so there wouldn't be any pushing or shoving of the family. Whatever happened to us was the result of the instruction I gave. The head of security was telling me repeatedly, “What you are doing is not right, you are hindering our work.” Yesterday, they also complained with a sweet tone, saying, “Oh, Mr. Chairman, this was the end result.”

REACTION TO BAHÇELİ’S ‘NAMELESS’ GET-WELL MESSAGE

At the end of the interview, Özel said the following regarding the ‘get-well’ message shared by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli without mentioning his name:

“It would have been better if it hadn't been done at all. Not mentioning the name of the person you are saying “get well soon” to, as the founding party of Turkey, the style there is not in accordance with political courtesy. Especially since I have addressed (Bahçeli) as “Mr. Chairman,” just as I address the chairmen of my own party. I haven't said a word when he was ill. There is no one in the MHP whose condolences I haven't attended or whom I haven't called, provided I was aware of it.”