Özgür Özel reacts to 'City Consensus' case: It is a shame for Turkey

Özel used striking expressions in the statement he made on his social media account. 

Here are those lines from Özgür Özel:

"As the Republican People's Party (CHP), we entered the local elections with a call for a 'Turkey Alliance.' We created a union in which political parties were not officially involved, but which was composed of people from all walks of life who are loyal to their country and respectful of the will for brotherhood and coexistence, and who both ran as candidates and supported us.

Our lists included influential figures who have a say locally, possess political power,  and have social standing, including those who had previously engaged in politics in different parties. Our candidates and lists resonated with society, and we won many municipalities through this unity.

However, today we are faced with a mentality that considers it a crime for Turks and Kurds to be elected to municipal councils together, and therefore throws people into prison.

The accusation leveled in these investigations is exactly this: 'That the aim of the City Consensus was for Kurds in the west to have a say in municipal councils, even if they could not win the municipalities...'

I would like to state clearly that achieving this goal is not a crime; to the extent that it can be achieved, it is the manifestation of democracy, the realization of justice in representation, and the most important guarantee of social peace.

In the 'City Consensus' case heard in Istanbul today, despite all expectations, the detainees were not released.

It is now clearly seen that a mentality that says 'peace' on one hand while considering the election of Kurds to municipal councils a crime on the other is not sincere and is not in favor of peace or brotherhood.

Because this case targets our will to live together and engage in politics together.

This case is a shame for Turkey!"

As the Republican People's Party, we entered the local elections with a call for a Turkey Alliance. We created a union in which political parties were not officially involved, but which was composed of people from all walks of life who are loyal to their country and respectful of the will for brotherhood and coexistence, and who both ran as candidates and supported us...

— Özgür Özel (@eczozgurozel) September 18, 2025