BREAKING NEWS... Investigation launched into Tuncay Özkan over political assassination claims

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into CHP İzmir MP Tuncay Özkan, who suggested in a television program broadcast on January 30 that political assassinations could be carried out through the food served in prisons.

RTÜK HAD LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION

Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) Chairman Ebubekir Şahin had announced that an investigation had been initiated regarding the program "Başkent Kulisleri" (Capital Backstage), aired on Sözcü TV, due to the remarks made by CHP İzmir MP Tuncay Özkan concerning prisons.

RTÜK Chairman Ebubekir Şahin used the following expressions in his post yesterday:

"We have witnessed with regret in the program titled 'Başkent Kulisleri' broadcast on SZC TV screens that some old conspiracy theories dating back to the Cold War era have been brought to the agenda. The improvements regarding security and health in prisons after the treacherous July 15 coup attempt are evident. Under these circumstances, the claim by MP Tuncay Özkan that political assassinations could occur through the food served or health services provided by targeting our prisons is completely untrue. We believe that Tuncay Özkan, who is a former journalist in addition to his political identity, knows very well that these statements, which harm social peace, do not constitute freedom of expression. These statements, which target the society's sense of trust in the justice mechanism and could also cause panic and fear among the relatives of people in prison, can never be accepted. An investigation has been initiated by our Supreme Council regarding the program in question."

REACTION FROM THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

CHP İzmir MP Tuncay Özkan continued to maintain his claims and warned Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ regarding the food in prisons. The General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses issued a statement following these claims, stating, "Discourse containing allegations of poisoning or assassination regarding a detainee is entirely based on speculation and contains disinformation that could damage the trust in our penal execution system."

The remainder of the statement by the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses is as follows:

"The food needs of all detainees and convicts are met in accordance with hygiene and quality standards, and security measures are kept at a high level. Meals are prepared for all detainees and convicts staying in the entire penal institution, and institution staff also consume the same meals. Baseless claims that are not based on any concrete information or document, that target our society's sense of trust in the justice system, and that are aimed at creating sensation can never be accepted. A criminal complaint will be filed against those who put forward the claims in question."

News Source: 12punto