Özgür Özel's first statement following the provocation at the martyr's funeral
CHP leader Özgür Özel, who was subjected to a provocation at a martyr's funeral he attended in Manisa, stated, "Today, they are all being identified by name. The party affiliation of those in Manisa is clearly evident. They can stage as many provocations as they want, the CHP will continue to do what it knows to be right."
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Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel attended the memorial ceremony held at Anıtkabir for the 50th anniversary of the passing of the 2nd President, İsmet İnönü.
Responding to journalists' questions there, Özel made a statement regarding the provocation that occurred at the funeral ceremony of Martyr Infantry Contracted Private Enis Budak in Manisa.
"IT WAS REPEATEDLY SUGGESTED THAT I RECONSIDER ATTENDING THIS FUNERAL"
Özel said the following;
"From early yesterday morning, it was repeatedly suggested to our security team, our party in Manisa, and even to me by individuals who have been very close to the Justice and Development Party in neighboring provinces, that there would be a provocation, an attack, and that I should reconsider attending this funeral. Throughout the day yesterday, I expressed that I would attend our martyr's funeral, that we would stand by our martyr, and that I knew what the purpose of these provocations was."
"THEIR PARTY AFFILIATION IS CLEARLY EVIDENT"
"From the moment we attended the funeral yesterday, we all followed that organized matter together," said Özel, adding:
“Now, today, they are all being identified by name. The party affiliation of those in Manisa is clearly evident, and the same clustering is also apparent among those brought in from neighboring provinces. Our nation knows that the provocation carried out there was not by the people of Manisa or by those who came to the martyr's funeral of their own volition."
"THE CHP WILL DO WHAT IT KNOWS TO BE RIGHT"
Özel stated, "Before boarding the plane yesterday, the martyr's family called from the condolence house, and then called again after I boarded the plane, saying that they were saddened by what happened, that they knew of the martyr's closeness to us, and that the disrespect shown there yesterday was directed at their martyr."
Özel added, "They can stage as many provocations as they want, the CHP will do what it knows to be right."