Özgür Özel: Those worried about us forming a new party are trying to trade our freedom for Turkey’s future

Özel made an assessment regarding the treatment his party has been subjected to. Stating, "They are blackmailing us to trade our freedom for our country," Özel emphasized that he would not bow to blackmail.

Speaking to Medyascope, the CHP Chairman made the following assessment regarding comments that their parliamentary immunity could be lifted if a new party were formed: "This is a form of blackmail suggesting that we trade our freedom for our country. I have never surrendered to any blackmail; if we had surrendered, perhaps even the nullity would not have come."

ÖZGÜR ÖZEL: I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS

"They see it this way: If the CHP is in a fight within itself, if it is occupied with itself, it will not be a threat to the government. But if the CHP breaks free from this situation and forms a separate party, it could be a major alternative. I hear such talk against that, both inside and outside: ‘If they form another party, their immunities will be lifted, they will be put on trial." said Özgür Özel, who continued as follows:

"This is a form of blackmail suggesting that we trade our freedom for our country. I have never surrendered to any blackmail to this day. If we had surrendered to previous blackmail, perhaps even the nullity would not have come. They were telling me, ‘Be smart, behave yourself, sit at the head of the party.’ They were saying, ‘Sell out Ekrem.’

I have not sold out a friend since I was 10 years old, but ultimately, selling out Ekrem is not just selling out a friend; it is selling out the future of Turkey.

If they target Mr. Mansur today, selling out Mr. Mansur is also selling out the future of Turkey. In other words, whoever we leave alone who could win against the AK Party, that would be selling out the future of Turkey. It means that those who are worried about us forming a new party are trying to trade our freedom for Turkey’s future. I do not accept this."

News Source: 12punto