AKP's Türkeş, who visited Gezi prisoners, shares his impressions: 'They do not give the impression of an organization'

AKP's Tuğrul Türkeş, who visited Osman Kavala and other Gezi prisoners in prison—a move that has drawn attention due to his recent remarks on the Gezi Park Case—made notable statements. 

Speaking to journalist İsmail Saymaz, Türkeş described his impressions of this visit as follows:

"How did your visit with the Gezi Park defendants go?

I found them in good spirits. They are pleased that someone who does not share the same political views as them is showing interest in this matter. There was a communication breakdown with the Ministry of Justice in the last week. They were surprised by that delay.

What impression did Osman Kavala leave on you?

Very calm. For a person who has been in a kind of futile detention for so long, he is very level-headed. I evaluated it as the difference of being an educated person. He is a civilized, level-headed person and looks at issues very calmly. I observed a personality whose faith has increased.

I didn't know Mr. Tayfun (Kahraman) was that young either.

Their families are also acting very level-headedly.

They do not give the impression of an organization.

You are talking about all the Gezi Park prisoners, right?

As a result of visiting five people; Osman Kavala, Can Atalay, and Tayfun Kahraman, as well as the ladies (Çiğdem Mater, Mine Özerden), they are like that too.

Let's say if I had seen three PKK members, three Workers' Party members, or three MHP members, it would have been different. But when you look at these people, you observe that there are differences among them. This is, of course, very subjective. But in my observation, there is no such thing.

How did your meeting with Can Atalay go?

We talked about general topics. You don't sit down and talk file by file. It's a general conversation.

Did the President or the Minister of Justice ask for information after the meetings?

No, such an opportunity did not arise.

Are you considering another visit?

For now, that's all. This visit was already outside the scope. While we were trying to draw attention to the legal dimension of the matter, such a possibility for a visit emerged. We heard that they desired it as well. Ms. Çiğdem and the other lady were like that too. It went very well with them as well."

ÖZALAN'S ATTACK ON ŞIK

Türkeş, who could not attend the extraordinary session of the General Assembly on the agenda of Can Atalay due to food poisoning, also made a statement regarding AKP member Alpay Özalan's attack on TİP deputy Ahmet Şık.

Accusing Ahmet Şık of provocation, Türkeş used the following expressions:

"Ahmet Şık's speech was provocative. If you come to the podium and use insulting expressions, you don't expect the other side to tie their hands and watch you. It shouldn't have been done. Şık also achieved his goal. In my opinion, he is not sorry for what happened.

It was very bad for the Turkish Grand National Assembly. One day before, you bring Mahmoud Abbas, you call for an extraordinary meeting, you give a message to the world. The next day, there is a deputy's blood on the floor. In what place? In the place where Mahmoud Abbas stepped the day before. Is this how we will achieve peace? Is this how we will contribute to world peace?

People want deputies to have a minimum level of culture, minimum discernment, and a consciousness. I say this regardless of party affiliation. It should never have come to that point. From this point on, who is right and who is wrong; there is no benefit in talking. Something bad happened."