CHP's Ahmet Baran Yazgan makes first statement regarding harassment allegations and assault footage: 'It was a setup'

CHP Edirne MP Ahmet Baran Yazgan has spoken for the first time following the sexual harassment allegations made against him and the assault footage circulating on social media. Yazgan, who was referred to the disciplinary board by his party with a request for "permanent expulsion" as a precautionary measure, argued that the allegations were untrue.

Speaking to journalist Talat Atilla, Yazgan claimed that the incident did not take place in his own home and that he was assaulted at a location he had visited upon invitation. Stating that he believes he was drugged, Yazgan alleged that the events were a "setup" aimed at distancing him from the CHP.

YAZGAN: ABSOLUTELY SLANDER

It is absolutely slander. The incident did not happen in my home. I went there upon the invitation of the woman who filmed the video. They hit me on the head with a hard object. I believe I was drugged. I lost consciousness. I absolutely did not say those ugly words attributed to me. I think this is a two-pronged setup. It was done both to distance me from the CHP and to steer me toward the YENİ Party. I am the victim here. I believe the CHP should also protect its victimized MP. I will provide my more detailed statement and the information I have regarding the events to the prosecutor's office.

Yazgan's statement came after the disciplinary process initiated within the CHP. CHP Party Spokesperson Müslim Sarı had announced that Yazgan was summoned to the Headquarters after the footage appeared in the public domain.

Sarı later announced that Yazgan had been referred to the disciplinary board with a request for "permanent expulsion" as a precautionary measure under the party's bylaws and disciplinary provisions. The statement indicated that the decision was made within the framework of the "party's fundamental principles."

Meanwhile, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had also announced that an ex officio investigation had been launched into Yazgan following the footage and allegations circulating on social media. Yazgan stated that he would present the information and documents in his possession to the prosecutor's office.