Özgür Özel reacts to the detention of İsmail Arı: 'Journalism is not a crime'

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has reacted to the detention of journalist İsmail Arı. Describing the process of Arı being taken into custody during a holiday visit as "enemy law," Özel stated, "Journalistic activity does not become a crime just because it displeases someone." Özel shared the message, "İsmail Arı is not alone."

Here is the post Özel made on his X account:

"Journalistic activity does not become a crime just because it displeases someone.

Trying to manufacture a crime out of a video journalist İsmail Arı posted three months ago and having him detained during a family visit in Tokat on a holiday is the application of enemy law.

İsmail Arı is not alone.

Journalism is not a crime."

Gazetecilik faaliyeti, birilerinin hoşuna gitmedi diye suç olmaz.

Gazeteci İsmail Arı’nın üç ay önceki videosundan suç çıkarmaya çalışmak, bayram günü Tokat’taki aile ziyaretinde gözaltına aldırmak düşman hukukunun işletilmesidir.

İsmail Arı yalnız değildir.
Gazetecilik suç…

— Özgür Özel (@eczozgurozel) March 22, 2026