Özgür Özel visits Alican Uludağ, who is being held in Silivri

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel visited Alican Uludağ, who is being held on charges of "insulting the President," at the Marmara Closed Penal Execution Institution in Silivri.

HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE IS BEING HELD IN A TEMPORARY WARD

Speaking after the visit, Özel said that Uludağ is still being held in a temporary ward. He stated that for this reason, he cannot benefit from facilities such as television, newspapers, and books, and does not have the right to shop at the canteen.

Özel also noted that 25 people are being kept in a 10-person ward.

"A DETENTION THAT IS PROBLEMATIC IN TERMS OF JURISDICTION"

Stating that there are no elements of insult in the social media posts, Özel argued that the detention is also problematic in terms of jurisdiction.

Stating that even if a sentence were to be given for the crime in question, there would be no actual prison time to serve, Özel expressed that keeping Uludağ inside is a political decision.

Özel said that the journalist was taken into custody in front of his two children and was not even allowed to change his clothes comfortably. He stated that this situation shows the discomfort the government feels toward him.

"STATEMENTS FROM GERMANY DAMAGE THE IMAGE"

Stating that the statements made from Germany on the subject damage Turkey's image abroad, Özel emphasized that this situation must be reversed.

Conveying that he thinks the difficulties Uludağ is experiencing are intended to intimidate him, Özel said that the journalist stated he would not bow down.

Expressing that he is a journalist whose way of practicing his profession in Ankara and in politics they respect, and whom they believe reports accurately, Özel used the expression, "Every day he spends inside is a day when the public's right to receive accurate news from an independent source is restricted."