Süleyman Soylu's warning to AKP politicians regarding Özgür Özel: 'I will treat them like dogs too'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made striking remarks at his party's rally in Ümraniye, which led to an investigation being launched against him over the phrase he used there: "From now on, take care of those around you, those you give orders to, your dogs!"

Numerous reactions came from AKP figures to these words by Özel. However, perhaps the harshest reaction among them came from AKP Istanbul MP Süleyman Soylu.

Soylu stated that any AKP member who engages in political contact with Özel from now on will have accepted these words, and used the following expressions:

"From today on, whoever engages with Özgür Özel (from our side) or establishes a relationship with him will have taken the words 'Tayyip Erdoğan's dogs' upon themselves.

Personally, I will treat that person like a 'dog' too.

Don't say I didn't warn you."

ÖZEL COMMENTED ON THE INVESTIGATION OPENED AGAINST HIM

Making a statement regarding the investigation opened against him, Özel said, "An investigation has been opened against me for insulting the President. What insult to the President? They also say, 'He said it to the prosecutors.' I know what I said to the prosecutor. If I wanted to say it, I would. I said it generally; look at who is taking it personally. I am saying it for those who attack dishonorably, I am saying it for those who wrote those words to Dilek Hanım, I am saying it for those who made those insults to children, I am saying it for those who said those things to Uncle Hasan. They say, 'He said it to us.' I said it generally," he said.