CHP Leader Alleges ‘Lawsuit Market’ Tied to Prosecutors in İBB Case
CHP Özgür Özel
At a rally in Tuzla, CHP Chair Özgür Özel made explosive claims about a so-called “İBB lawsuit market”, alleging that certain lawyers, in coordination with prosecutors, are exploiting the legal process surrounding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) trials for financial and political gain.
According to Özel, a network of lawyers, claiming to act on behalf of prosecutors, approached individuals involved in the case with coercive offers:
“We have proof of lawyers telling people, ‘The prosecutor sent me. I’ll represent you. You’ll testify this way, say these things, and pay this amount.’ A legal mafia has formed a lawsuit stock market around the İBB case,” Özel declared.
He stated that the evidence includes WhatsApp conversations, financial receipts, and call records, and that these documents would be handed over to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) with full details, including names, dates, and times.
⚖️ Formal Complaints to Be Filed
Özel announced plans to file complaints against the named lawyer with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, and against the alleged prosecutor with the HSK. He also called upon honest politicians within the AKP to support transparency and accountability.
“If former Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül asks for the files, we’ll deliver them. If the current Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç shows courage, let’s dismantle this mafia together,” Özel urged.
🔥 Corruption Allegations and Fake Diploma Scandal
In addition to the İBB case controversy, Özel also took aim at the fake diploma scandal, accusing the AKP of widespread corruption and cronyism.
“The AKP reeks of filth. A self-proclaimed Ottoman descendant is involved. So is your deputy minister. He removed six documents he once bragged about from his résumé,” he said, claiming that unqualified individuals had been placed in powerful state positions.
He cited an earlier parliamentary question submitted in 2022 by CHP Hatay MP Mehmet Güzelmansur about the fake diploma issue—which, Özel emphasized, was rejected by AKP votes.
📣 Tuzla Rally: Part of Wider Mobilization
Özel made these statements during the Tuzla leg of the “People Defend the National Will” rallies, launched after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was also the CHP’s presidential candidate. Despite intense summer heat, the CHP continues its nationwide campaign, framing the detentions and judicial interference as a threat to democracy and electoral legitimacy.
Notably, the lawyer Özel accused of running the so-called “İBB case market” is reported to be the legal representative of Özgüner, an İBB figure who was recently released after allowing a voluntary search of his residence.