Ministry of National Defense responds to wreath incident at Anıtkabir: Güler leaves questions regarding Özgür Özel unanswered

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler has responded to a parliamentary question submitted regarding the intervention against the ribbon labeled "CHP Chairman" that was placed on the wreath at the mausoleum during CHP Chairman Özgür Özel's visit to Anıtkabir on May 30.

In the incident brought to the agenda by CHP Çanakkale Deputy Özgür Ceylan, it was stated that during the moment of silence, Özel placed the ribbon bearing his name and title onto the official wreath located at the mausoleum, after which a person wearing a pink t-shirt intervened with the ribbon.

In his motion, Ceylan asked what the person's duty and job description were, and if they were military personnel, what their rank was. He also drew attention to the allegation that the person was recording audio and video with a device on their lapel, and sought to learn the purpose of this recording and who gave the instruction to intervene with Özel.

Minister Güler's response did not directly address these questions. Güler stated that the rules regarding visits to Anıtkabir are applied in accordance with relevant legislation to protect the official, historical, and spiritual integrity of Anıtkabir.

''The rules regarding visits to Anıtkabir are restrictive measures taken in accordance with relevant legislation to protect the official, historical, and spiritual integrity of Anıtkabir, without infringing upon the essence of fundamental rights and freedoms.''

Güler stated that these measures are "lawful, proportionate, and based on public interest," and are implemented within the scope of Law No. 2524 on the Execution of Anıtkabir Services, the relevant regulation, and the Anıtkabir Services Directive.

WHAT HAPPENED

The visit on May 30 took place following a holiday celebration program held at Ankara's Güvenpark. Özgür Özel and his accompanying delegation walked to Anıtkabir and wished to leave a wreath made of red and white carnations at the mausoleum. Upon being denied permission to bring the wreath inside on the grounds that there was no official ceremony scheduled, Özel took the title ribbon from the wreath and placed it onto the official wreath at the mausoleum.

News Source: 12punto