MHP drops case against Kılıçdaroğlu seeking 'political ban': The reason has been revealed

The MHP has withdrawn its complaint in the case filed against former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu for "praising crime and criminals," in which a political ban was requested.

In a statement made by Yıldız, it was stated, "In parallel with the determined stance maintained for a 'terror-free Turkey' and regional peace, we are withdrawing the complaint we filed against the defendant."

The indictment, prepared upon the complaint of MHP Deputy Chairmen Feti Yıldız, İzzet Ulvi Yönter, and İsmail Faruk Aksu, had been accepted by the Ankara 35th High Criminal Court, and a prison sentence of 2.5 to 3.5 years as well as a 'political ban' under Article 53 of the Turkish Penal Code had been requested for Kılıçdaroğlu.

On January 16, 2025, MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız had stated that the MHP was withdrawing its complaint. Recalling MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's words about the 'uniting of hearts' and "If it is a sacrifice, we will fulfill what is requested," Yıldız had announced that Bahçeli had given the instruction to "withdraw the complaint."

THEY WITHDREW THEIR COMPLAINTS

Today, the complainants in the case filed against Kılıçdaroğlu, in which a political ban was sought—MHP deputies Feti Yıldız, Ulvi Yönter, and Faruk Aksu—withdrew their complaints. In his statement, Yıldız used the following expressions:

"In parallel with the determined stance maintained for a 'terror-free Turkey' and regional peace, we are withdrawing the complaint we filed against the defendant.

Upon our application to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a public case was filed against the defendant at the Ankara High Criminal Court due to his commission of the crime of 'praising crime and criminals,' which is a formal danger crime, with open and general criminal intent.

Freedom of thought and expression, which is at the forefront of Human Rights, is also a comprehensive area of responsibility.

In the legislative assemblies of democratic countries, it is a requirement of public order that regulations be made by protecting national areas of discretion alongside universal principles.

Criminal Law is concerned not only with the results that actually arise from human action but also with the results that may arise.

At this point, the concept of danger emerges. In contemporary law, danger is nothing other than probability; if a danger capable of causing harm is found to be of a nature that could disrupt the protected legal value, the danger has arisen and, accordingly, the crime has been committed.

Undoubtedly, like every regime, a democratic regime has the right to protect itself against dangers directed at its existence.

'A REQUIREMENT OF THE RULE OF LAW'

On the other hand, it is a requirement of the rule of law that expressions that create a 'clear and present danger' and disrupt national security be subject to follow-up.

In both national and universal law, there are detailed regulations regarding freedom of thought to 'prevent the abuse of rights and freedoms.'

For example;

The efforts of those with a mandate-seeking mentality to create a perception of unmanageability by calling for a boycott of national products, the attacks that occurred as a result of this call, and baseless accusations cannot be hidden behind the concept of freedom of expression.

As we partially stated in the complaint petition dated 05.02.2020, during this process, the CHP has drifted in a grave manner, transformed into a structure that denies its entire past, moved away from the consciousness of belonging to the nation, and entered into a fundamental and total conflict with the sovereignty and historical rights of the Turkish Nation.

For the reasons we have briefly explained above, we are withdrawing our complaint against the previous Chairman of the CHP, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. We respectfully request that the necessary action be taken."