Political ban threat for Ümit Özdağ!

The detention process initiated 148 days ago against Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ ended today.

The court sentenced Özdağ to 2 years, 4 months, and 3 days in prison for “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” However, taking into account the 148 days Özdağ has spent in prison to date, his release was ordered.

Özdağ had been held at Silivri Prison for approximately 5 months.

POSSIBILITY OF A POLITICAL BAN

According to journalist İsmail Saymaz, the sentence is not yet final. However, if the court upholds the sentence, the implementation of a political ban against Ümit Özdağ will come to the agenda.

In this case, Özdağ would be unable to run as a candidate in any election and could be barred from political activities.

Zafer Party Spokesperson Azmi Karamahmutoğlu appeared before the cameras in Silivri following Özdağ’s release. Karamahmutoğlu emphasized that they would take the process to higher courts:

“We will take this decision to the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, to the Court of Cassation. We wholeheartedly believe that our Chairman will be acquitted. It is meaningless to even speak of a political ban today. This was not a legal process, but a political one.”

ÜMİT ÖZDAĞ'S SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

Having determined his first stop after his release, Ümit Özdağ will visit the symbolic 'otağ' (tent) established by Zafer Party members. According to Karamahmutoğlu’s statement, Özdağ will then perform a short prayer of gratitude in Silivri and will depart for Ankara in the evening hours.