First statement from CHP Chair Özel on the operation in Manavgat: 'Whoever is proven to be involved in a crime'

As part of the operation carried out in the morning, detention warrants were issued for 35 people, including Manavgat Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara. Following this operation, the first statement came from CHP Chair Özel.

Özel stated the following:

"Two investigators have been immediately assigned within our party regarding the images reflected on social media concerning the investigation into our Antalya Manavgat Municipality.

Let no one have any doubt that, as a result of the examinations, we will approach any negativity that damages the clean, social municipalism understanding of the Republican People's Party in the most uncompromising manner.

Our stance is clear. The Republican People's Party rejects the politics of those who protect their own ministers involved in crime and their relatives who stack millions in shoeboxes. Based on concrete evidence, not only will it be impossible for anyone proven to be involved in a crime to remain in our Party, but we will also follow up on them being punished in the most severe way.

However, I would like to remind you that;

While no corruption of even 1 kuruş has been found and no evidence has been presented for exactly 107 days regarding our Presidential Candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu and our fellow travelers, we will not allow the struggle for honor we are conducting to be tarnished by a single image in Manavgat.

The matter will be examined in all its aspects and the public will be informed as soon as possible.

Our demand is for a fair and impartial judicial mechanism to be operated in all processes, including the investigation in İzmir. As a result of a fair and transparent trial, those whose crimes are proven should of course serve their sentences, but those who are detained without any evidence should also be released. Our demand is for an independent and impartial judicial process to be carried out everywhere and for everyone."

Two investigators have been immediately assigned within our party regarding the images reflected on social media concerning the investigation into our Antalya Manavgat Municipality.

As a result of the examinations; any [negativity] that damages the clean, social municipalism understanding of the Republican People's Party…

— Özgür Özel (@eczozgurozel) July 4, 2025

News Source: 12punto