Statement from CHP: Arif Kocabıyık's membership process halted

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has issued the following statement regarding Arif Kocabıyık, who drew public criticism after being pinned with a party badge by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel during a parliamentary group meeting, due to racist remarks in his subsequent social media posts:

"INFORMATION

Following the group meeting on Tuesday, our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel, received guests at his office in Parliament, as he does every week.

During the busy reception schedule that lasted until the evening, a request was made to pin a badge on Arif Kocabıyık, who had come from Antalya and expressed his desire to join the party, just as was done for many other citizens.

Amidst the crowded and intense schedule of meetings, our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel, pinned a badge on Arif Kocabıyık, just as he did for many other citizens who requested membership.

However, information was subsequently obtained regarding the individual's past conduct and social media posts.

Behaviors that do not align with the principles and values of the Republican People's Party are unacceptable. Therefore, the necessary assessment was made immediately; the party membership process for Arif Kocabıyık, whose official registration had not yet been completed, has been halted.

Respectfully announced to the public."