CHP moves to expel Ahmet Baran Yazgan

CHP Edirne MP Ahmet Baran Yazgan has been referred to a disciplinary process within his party following harassment allegations and footage circulating on social media. The CHP announced that Yazgan has been sent to the High Disciplinary Board with a request for his "permanent expulsion" while under precautionary suspension.

CHP Spokesperson Müslim Sarı stated in a post on his social media account that the decision was made within the framework of party principles and disciplinary regulations. In his statement, Sarı said, "Within the framework of our party's fundamental principles, bylaws, and disciplinary regulations, Edirne MP Ahmet Baran Yazgan has been referred to the disciplinary board as of today with a request for 'permanent expulsion' while under precautionary suspension."

It was learned that Yazgan had been summoned to the CHP Headquarters following the footage that came to public attention after the incident, which reportedly took place in Edirne. The process is proceeding on separate tracks both within the party and before judicial authorities.

INVESTIGATION ALSO LAUNCHED

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had announced that an ex officio investigation had been launched into Yazgan regarding the footage and allegations circulating on social media. The prosecutor's office stated that the investigation is being conducted regarding the crimes of "sexual harassment" and "sexual assault remaining at the level of molestation."

The investigation file conducted in Edirne includes witness statements regarding the incident. In her statement, T.A. explained that she had a prior acquaintance with Yazgan and that they had met at a house following a birthday celebration on the night of the incident. T.A. filed a complaint, alleging that in the later hours, Yazgan engaged in physical contact without her consent and exhibited behavior involving insults and threats.

T.A. maintained that she had handed over the video footage she recorded during the incident to the police and that she had no involvement in the leaking of the footage to social media. In her statement included in the record, she said she was filing a complaint against Yazgan, stating that she feared for her own safety and that of her daughter.

N.D., whose statement is also in the file, claimed that an argument broke out at T.A.'s house on the night of the incident, that Yazgan used profanity and threats, and that a scuffle subsequently occurred. N.D. alleged that Yazgan displayed an aggressive attitude toward them by stating he was a "member of parliament" and noted that he did not accept the accusations against him.

The statements also include allegations regarding the breaking of a glass, injuries, battery, and being prevented from leaving the house. The party disciplinary process regarding Yazgan will be evaluated by the High Disciplinary Board, while the judicial investigation will continue within the scope of the prosecutors' proceedings.

News Source: 12punto