Victory Party: 'We accept being tried for the same crime as a badge of honor'

The Victory Party reacted sharply to the decision to continue the detention of its Chairman, Ümit Özdağ, during the hearing held on June 11. 

In a statement shared via the party's official social media account, it was argued that the 51-page speech Özdağ delivered in the courtroom and the evidence-based statements of his defense attorneys were ignored. Criticisms regarding the judicial process were expressed with the phrase, "Law and justice have been disregarded."

'THE NATION-STATE IS IN DANGER'

The Victory Party evaluated its reaction to the decision not only on a legal basis but also on a political one. The statement claimed that the nation-state structure of Turkey is being targeted and included the following remarks:

"The negotiation process restarted with the terrorist organization is a direct threat to the unity and unitary structure of the Republic of Turkey. Today, opposing this process has become grounds for being put on trial."

The party leadership argued that the judicial process is being conducted through the government's politicized institutions, characterizing the current situation as a result of "party-state" practices.

In the statement, which attributed political meaning to Ümit Özdağ's detention, concepts such as "the Republic, sovereignty, and the honor of Turkishness" were highlighted. It was alleged that Özdağ was "taken prisoner" for defending these values:

"Ümit Özdağ's imprisonment is an attack on our ideal of independence, our free spirit, and Atatürk's vision of the republic. However, neither our thoughts nor our honor can be imprisoned."

'DOWN WITH TYRANNY, LONG LIVE LIBERTY!'

The Victory Party concluded its statement by recalling the spirit of the War of Independence and the legacy of Atatürk. The message, which emphasized the struggle, concluded with the words: "The strength we need is present in the noble blood in our veins. Down with tyranny, long live liberty!"

News Source: 12punto