Investigation launched into Özgür Özel over Akın Gürlek remarks

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding statements he made on November 26 at his party's Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) group meeting and on November 29 in front of the Marmara Penal Execution Institutions.

The expressions used by Özel regarding Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek were evaluated under the charges of "publicly insulting a public official due to their duty" and "targeting individuals who have served in counter-terrorism."

In the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was noted that after the necessary findings are completed within the scope of the investigation, the documents will be sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the preparation of a summary of proceedings (fezleke) regarding Özel.

The statement included the following:

"An ex officio investigation has been launched by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against 28th Term Manisa Deputy and Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel for the crimes of Publicly Insulting a Public Official Due to Their Duty and Targeting Individuals Who Have Served in Counter-Terrorism, due to the words he uttered regarding the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor during his party's group meeting at the TBMM on 26/11/2024 and in his press statement in front of the Marmara Penal Execution Institutions on 29/11/2024; after the necessary findings are made, the investigation file will be sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the preparation of a summary of proceedings regarding the individual. Presented for public information."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Özel, who visited Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer at Silivri Prison, made a statement to journalists upon his exit.

Addressing Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek there, Özel used the following expressions:

"Akın Gürlek, you will only occupy as much space as your crimes. The day will come when I will stand tall here again, and who knows from which social media account abroad you will be attacking us. Or you will pay the price for these unlawful acts you are committing these days. If you were to be subjected to an injustice, we would defend your rights too. I am calling out to Akın Gürlek from here. Repent, resign, withdraw. Say in front of the public, 'I was involved in a wrong, I regret it.' Let us be the guarantee of your future. If you confess to these things you have done and resign, go practice law in a corner. Sell bagels with your honor. I am warning you, do not play with the fate of a country, do not be an instrument for others".