Investigation into imam Yusuf Kılıç over ‘Deniz Göktaş’ case brought to Parliament’s agenda

Labor Party (EMEP) Gaziantep MP Sevda Karaca and Istanbul MP İskender Bayhan have brought the investigation reportedly launched by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) against imam Yusuf Kılıç to the Parliament’s agenda.

In a joint parliamentary question submitted for Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to answer, the MPs asked about the claim that Kılıç was subjected to a new investigation on the grounds that he sent a message of support and expressed solidarity with the family of the arrested comedian Deniz Göktaş.

The motion, citing a report by the BirGün newspaper, stated that Kılıç had previously received disciplinary penalties and was exiled for refusing demands to transport congregants to political rallies held by the ruling party.

BASIS OF THE INVESTIGATION QUESTIONED IN THE MOTION

Karaca and Bayhan requested an explanation as to which disciplinary article classifies a public official's personal statements regarding justice, human rights, and solidarity against injustice as a crime or violation.

“Turning steps taken within the framework of freedom of expression and conscience, which are guaranteed by the Constitution, into a subject of investigation and punishment by institutional bureaucracy is an implementation of political pressure and intimidation policies over public personnel.”

The MPs demanded an explanation of the legal basis and the corresponding legislative provision for the investigation in question. The motion also emphasized the impartiality of public service and asked whether political pressure is being exerted on religious officials.

Karaca and Bayhan also asked how many personnel within the Presidency of Religious Affairs have been investigated in the last five years due to statements or actions against the government. They requested that the public be informed about how many of these investigations resulted in dismissal, punishment, or exile.