Gürsel Tekin's close associate expelled from CHP: 'The greatest pride'

The process that began with the expulsion of Gürsel Tekin, who was appointed as a trustee to the CHP Istanbul Provincial Presidency, from the CHP continues. Tolga Çobanoğlu, a mayoral candidate for Çiğli and reportedly Tekin's closest associate in İzmir, has been expelled from his party.

Çobanoğlu shared a photo of the notification sent to him by his party and made the following statement:

"With the expulsion notice that reached me today, I learned that I have been permanently expelled from the Republican People's Party (CHP).

Neither was my defense taken, nor was I notified of any official accusation. Without even knowing what I am accused of, it was claimed that I 'engaged in actions that would damage party discipline,' which is a complete lie.

My only 'crime' was not getting close to people whose names are involved in money laundering and bribery allegations, and who cannot even explain the source of their assets; and not accepting their invitations.

I have worked for this party since my youth; it even led to the end of my university life. Despite this, I never gave up on my party.

I AM WRITING THIS IN BOLD: No power, no authority can cast me out of this party.

On the days when my party's name was associated with bribery and money laundering, I did not stand by the side of power; I stood by the side of cleaning up the party and protecting its honor. I was expelled today as the price for this stance.

I will hang this document in my living room. When my children look at it in the future, they will say:

‘Our father risked even being expelled to save his party. He did not give up his stance; he left his honor as a legacy.’

This expulsion is not a punishment for me; it is the greatest pride and the most precious legacy I will leave to my children."

News Source: 12punto