Statement of the individual who attacked CHP leader Özel revealed: 'Due to his threatening remarks'

The statement of the suspect, Selçuk Tengioğlu, who punched CHP Chairman Özgür Özel as he was leaving a memorial service held for Sırrı Süreyya Önder, has been revealed. In his statement, the suspect noted that after having breakfast at the apartment hotel where he was staying in the morning, he went to Taksim both to pass the time and to look for work. He stated that he saw a large crowd around Taksim Square and went to the cultural center after learning that Sırrı Süreyya Önder's funeral would be brought there. 

Regarding the attack on Özel, the attacker Tengioğlu said in his statement, "There was an emotional atmosphere there; people were grieving and sorrowful. There was an environment of peace, and because of this, I felt the need to stay there emotionally. I don't remember what time it was. When I walked toward the area, I saw a large group coming toward me from inside the Atatürk Cultural Center. I saw Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel at the front of the large group. 

Because Özgür Özel had previously made threatening remarks toward the President of the Republic of Turkey, its prosecutors, soldiers, and police, and because I was in an emotional state at that moment, I lost control and slapped Özel in the face. The reason I slapped Özgür Özel was a reactive act stemming from the state of sadness I was in, Özgür Özel's constant use of threatening language, and his complaining about our country to foreign nations. At that moment, I was intervened by the officials present there and was apprehended," he said.

Claiming that he did not plan the attack in advance, the suspect Tengioğlu said, "I did not plan this act. It is an event that developed spontaneously. I went in front of the Atatürk Cultural Center because I learned that Sırrı Süreyya Önder's funeral was there. I had no knowledge that Özgür Özel was there. It is an event that developed entirely as a sudden reflex.

Finally, I emphasize that I was disturbed by Republican People's Party Chairman Özgür Özel telling our President, 'I will make the world narrow for you,' and I was disturbed by him pitting young people against each other. Because I was disturbed by him threatening our prosecutors and police, I carried out this act when I suddenly saw him. I carried out the incident because I was in a momentary emotional state. It is not a planned act. It is an event that developed suddenly. I am a person who loves my country and my nation. These are all I have to say at this stage," he stated.

News Source: 12punto