Lütfü Savaş testifies to prosecutor regarding CHP convention: Files criminal complaint

Former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş testified today at the Ankara Courthouse as part of the investigation launched into the 38th Ordinary Convention of the CHP. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had announced that an investigation was launched into the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention, held on November 4-5, 2023, based on allegations that "votes were cast in exchange for money," and reported that the investigation was initiated in January 2024 following a tip-off to the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Subsequently, former CHP Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş filed a lawsuit in the Civil Court of First Instance for the annulment of the convention. Following this, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office summoned Savaş to the prosecutor's office to provide his statement as part of the ongoing investigation into the convention. Onur Yusuf Üregen, the lawyer for Savaş, who provided his statement to the prosecutor, made a press statement in front of the courthouse.

"WE ANNOUNCE TO THE PUBLIC THAT WE HAVE FILED A NEW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT"

Stating that Lütfü Savaş provided his testimony upon the invitation of the relevant prosecutor's office, lawyer Üregen said, "It should be known that the distortion of legal processes and the misleading of the public harm judicial independence and democratic values. In line with our belief in democracy, the rule of law, and political ethics, we are continuing our legal initiatives to ensure that the process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner in all its aspects. On behalf of my client Savaş, we announce to the public that we have filed a new criminal complaint with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the irregularities that occurred during the Republican People's Party's 38th Convention in 2023 and the allegations that the will of the delegates was compromised."

After his testimony, Savaş did not answer journalists' questions outside the courthouse, saying, "We will speak on a national channel this evening. I do not want to provide any information at this moment."

'BACKGROUND OF THE EVENT'

The CHP Disciplinary Board expelled former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş from the CHP last December following a disciplinary investigation, citing a post he made on his social media account in which he used the expressions, "Today's CHP is busy getting 'DEM-ified.' As a party, we cannot defend those who establish ties with terrorism and derive political rent from terrorism, whoever they may be or whatever formation they may belong to."

News Source: 12punto