Özgür Özel’s remarks on the Melih Gökçek investigation: ‘It will be a sham fight, you should try him under arrest’

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made evaluations regarding the summoning of former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Melih Gökçek to testify as a suspect over allegations that “money was transferred to companies abroad.” Responding to questions from İsmail Küçükkaya on Sözcü TV, Özel argued that the investigation would be conducted as a “pretense” and that the case would be covered up.

Regarding the allegations against the Gökçek family, Özel stated, “This will be a sham fight. They will just pretend. They will say, ‘That file had already been investigated, there was nothing there,’ and cover it up.”

Stating that Mansur Yavaş had previously sent 96 files regarding the Gökçek era to the prosecutor's office as criminal complaints, Özel claimed that no action was taken on these files. Özel alleged that the investigation was opened only after public pressure mounted following journalist Murat Ağırel bringing up certain property allegations in Germany.

Comparing the practices in the investigation process to the proceedings against Ekrem İmamoğlu, Özel asked, “Is this equal justice?” Criticizing the way the former ABB Mayor Gökçek was invited to testify, Özel said, “If this state treats everyone equally, then you should go to Melih Bey’s door at 5:00 AM with 300 police officers. You should also try Melih Gökçek under arrest.”

In the same broadcast, Özel also made evaluations regarding the elections. Stating that Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş have the potential to win against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the first round, Özel noted that he has no personal ambition for a presidential candidacy.

Touching upon the debates within the CHP regarding judicial decisions, Özel argued that the management of the main opposition party is being targeted for change through the judiciary. Regarding his party’s voting potential, Özel said that the total of those who answered “I will definitely vote,” “I will vote,” and “I might vote” has reached 65 percent.

News Source: 12punto