Investigation launched into CHP leader Özgür Özel: First statement released

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that an ex officio investigation has been launched into CHP Chairman Özgür Özel on charges of "insulting the President and insulting a public official due to their duty."

In a written statement issued by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated: "An ex officio investigation has been launched into Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel on charges of insulting the President and insulting a public official due to their duty, due to the words he uttered in a part of his speech at his party's rally held today in the Ümraniye district of our province, where he targeted our members of the judiciary conducting investigations into the criminal organization aimed at profit involving İmamoğlu, and addressed our President by saying, 'From now on, take care of those around you, those you give orders to, and the dogs and curs who deal with us.'

The investigations conducted by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office will continue with determination and diligence. It is announced for the information of the public."

FIRST REACTION FROM ÖZEL TO THE INVESTIGATION DECISION

Özel included the following statements in his post on his X account:

"After being appointed to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in violation of the law, Akın Gürlek served as a board member at a public company abroad from November 2024 to August 2025 and received a salary for 9 months.

In a state governed by the rule of law, what should be done in the face of this scandal is to immediately open an investigation and remove the person who committed this crime from office.

But still; the gang in Çağlayan, which deals with families, fathers, and children, is opening an investigation into us instead of being held accountable. Do your worst!

Mr. Erdoğan, I am addressing you: The nation expects you to do what is necessary against this gang in Çağlayan that is hostile to the state and the nation.

This gang told you they would provide a file, but they couldn't, they failed.

70 percent of the nation does not believe the slanders cast against Mayor Ekrem. This country is tired of fighting and polarization. The nation wants peace, it wants tranquility. Turn back from this path before it is too late. Do not go down in history this way when you could have gone down as a politician who served this country for many years.

I will not say it again so as not to insult animals: Take care of your own trash. No good will come to you or the country from them!"