CHP issues statement on Özgür Özel's 'lawyering' comment
Following backlash from lawyers over CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's remark that Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek "could practice law if he doesn't know any other job," CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel has issued a statement.
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CHP leader Özgür Özel, who hosted DEM Party Co-Chairs Bakırhan and Hatimoğulları at the CHP Headquarters, had said the following regarding the investigation launched against him 'due to his remarks targeting Akın Gürlek' following the meeting:
"I objected to these actions, and he immediately claimed them as his own. Therefore, if you have reached a point where you are talking to a mirror, if the work you do is pushing you into delusions that make you look ridiculous in social life in the short term, you must change your job. If he doesn't know any other job after this point, he can practice law. I once again invite him to a different field where he can quickly use his valuable diploma, practice his precious profession, and not harm anyone. He should definitely return to law."
Özel's remark, "If he doesn't know any other job, he can practice law," had drawn reactions from lawyers and bar association presidents on social media.
Genel Başkanımız Sayın Özgür Özel’in, İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcısı Akın Gürlek’in hukuksuz uygulamalarını eleştirirken kullandığı bazı ifadelerin avukat meslektaşlarımızı incittiğini üzülerek öğrendik.
— Av. Deniz Yücel (@avdenizyucel) December 1, 2024
Genel Başkanımız açıklamasında aynı cümlenin devamında, avukatlık… pic.twitter.com/OFFMs9KYoK
YÜCEL: IT IS UNTHINKABLE
CHP Spokesperson Deniz Yücel made statements regarding the issue on his X account following the reactions. Yücel stated, "We have learned with regret that some expressions used by our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel, while criticizing the unlawful practices of Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, have hurt our lawyer colleagues," and added the following:
"In the continuation of the same sentence in his statement, our Chairman specifically emphasized the value and importance of the legal profession.
Our Chairman, whose daughter is also a legal professional, has defended the rights of lawyers at every opportunity and has taken a stance in favor of protecting the reputation of the profession.
It is unthinkable for our Chairman, who has lawyers among his closest colleagues in the Party Assembly, the Central Executive Board (MYK), and the Parliamentary Group, to take a stance against the legal profession or to use hurtful expressions.
Respectfully announced to our lawyer colleagues."