Home > Politics News > CHP's Çelik responds to Soylu's 'there are 550 terrorists in IMM' claim: 'We will compete against slanders!'

CHP's Çelik responds to Soylu's 'there are 550 terrorists in IMM' claim: 'We will compete against slanders!'

An investigation was launched following the remarks of former Interior Minister and AKP Istanbul MP Süleyman Soylu, who claimed that "there are 550 terrorists in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM)." In the minutes regarding the case, it was noted that Soylu's lawyer emphasized "freedom of political expression." CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik reacted to Soylu in a statement on X, saying, "He lied without shame or hesitation, and now he is backpedaling." Çelik added, "However, our people now recognize this mentality; we will win."

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Former Interior Minister and AKP Istanbul MP Süleyman Soylu had targeted the IMM during his tenure as Minister, stating, "There are 550 terrorists in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality."

"FREEDOM OF POLITICAL EXPRESSION"

In the relevant investigation minutes, it is observed that Süleyman Soylu's lawyer included the following statements:

"My client is the Minister of Interior; in line with the prepared report, he disclosed the information in his possession within the scope of freedom of political expression and freedom of expression and opinion."

"WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST SLANDERS AND EDITED VIDEOS"

Following the emergence of the minutes, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Özgür Çelik stated the following on X:

"He lied without shame or hesitation, and now he is backpedaling.

The then-Minister of Interior, Süleyman Soylu, had claimed that 550 people working at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality were associated with various 'terror' organizations.

An IMM employee filed a '3-cent' compensation lawsuit against this slander.

Look at what those who rely on slander and conspiracies said in their defense regarding the lawsuit: 'I said it within the scope of freedom of political expression and freedom of expression and opinion.'

Is slander politics? Is lying openly and casting suspicion on people freedom of expression?

In the 2024 Local Elections, we will once again compete against slanders, edited videos, and fake brochures! However, our people now recognize this mentality; we will win!"