Meral Akşener breaks silence after attack! 'I strongly condemn the violence'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel was subjected to a physical assault by an individual following a memorial ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) for Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and DEM Party Istanbul MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder.

ATTACKED UPON LEAVING THE CEREMONY

Özel, who was leaving the AKM after the ceremony held for Önder, was punched by an attacker who approached him. Özel left the area accompanied by bodyguards and under security measures. It was reported that Özgür Özel did not sustain any injuries or marks on his face following the attack and that he was in good spirits.

ATTACKER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

In a statement regarding the matter, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said, "An investigation has been initiated regarding the assault on CHP Chairman Özgür Özel today, and the individual who carried out the act has been apprehended and taken into custody. A detailed investigation is ongoing. Further information will be provided as developments occur."

“GET WELL SOON” MESSAGE FROM AKŞENER FOR ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

While many political figures, led by President and AKP Chairman Erdoğan, flooded Özel with “get well soon” calls, a condemnation message also came from former IYI Party Chair Meral Akşener.

Akşener, who has occasionally been in the spotlight due to her silence on current political issues since leaving the IYI Party chairmanship, condemned the attack on Özel and conveyed her get-well-soon wishes.

In a post on her X account, Akşener stated the following:

“I strongly condemn the attack carried out against CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel and convey my get-well-soon wishes to him. I hope we reach days when not even the shadow of violence falls upon the ground of democratic politics in our country.”