Striking claim from Ümit Özdağ regarding July 15: He relayed the instruction received

Ahead of the commemoration events to be held for the anniversary of the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, a remarkable statement came from Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ. Özdağ brought to the agenda the claim that instructions were given to some state institutions not to hang Atatürk posters.

CLAIM OF "ONLY HANG THE TURKISH FLAG" INSTRUCTION

In a statement made via his social media account, Özdağ alleged that according to information they obtained from some sources, an instruction was given for this year's commemorations to only hang the Turkish flag on government buildings and not to use Atatürk posters.

Stating that the claim also appeared in the local press in Gaziantep, Özdağ stated that they are following the situation seriously.

"CHECK THE BUILDINGS, IF TRUE, DO NOT ATTEND THE CEREMONIES"

Ümit Özdağ made an open call to Zafer Party organizations, asking all provincial and district chairmen to personally check government buildings early in the morning.

He announced that if the claim in question turns out to be true, he has instructed the administrators affiliated with his party not to attend the July 15 ceremonies. Özdağ's statement is as follows:

"Tomorrow is July 15. The 9th anniversary of the FETÖ coup attempt. Information has come from some sources that an instruction was given to not hang Atatürk posters on government buildings tomorrow, and to only hang the Turkish flag. Finally, the local press in Gaziantep shared this information.

If this information is true (Verify it by personally checking the buildings tomorrow morning), my instruction to our Zafer Party provincial and district chairmen is: Do not attend the ceremonies held in your provinces and districts."