Ankara Rumors Point to Imminent Arrests of CHP Leader Özgür Özel and MP Turhan Çömez–Turkish journalist

As Erdoğan’s government escalates its crackdown on opposition mayors and politicians, Turkish journalist Sebahattin Önkibar claims Ankara is abuzz with talk of potential arrests targeting CHP Chair Özgür Özel and MP Turhan Çömez.

In a provocative statement during his recent YouTube broadcast, veteran journalist Sebahattin Önkibar declared, “Ankara is talking about it—Özgür Özel and Turhan Çömez could be arrested.” Önkibar’s comments come amid growing concerns about political repression in Turkey, especially following the detentions of several high-profile mayors from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Widening Crackdown on CHP: Mayors, Then Parliamentarians?

Since March 19, President Erdoğan’s administration has launched a sweeping legal campaign targeting CHP-controlled municipalities, culminating in the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, followed by the detention of Adana and Antalya’s mayors.

Observers both inside and outside Turkey view these moves as part of a broader strategy to weaken the main opposition bloc ahead of possible early elections and consolidate control over urban strongholds that traditionally vote against the ruling AKP-MHP alliance.

In this context, Önkibar’s claim that CHP leader Özgür Özel and outspoken MP Turhan Çömez may be the next targets has set political circles ablaze.

“The Threshold Has Already Been Crossed”

Commenting on the rumors, Önkibar warned against underestimating the extent of the government’s crackdown:

“Don’t say, ‘They wouldn’t go that far.’ That line was crossed long ago. Their parliamentary immunity could be lifted quickly and they could be jailed overnight. Özgür Özel even said, ‘If necessary, I’ll go to Silivri [prison] and share a cell with Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.’ That tells you something.”

Önkibar noted that Turhan Çömez, a former advisor to late Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit and a fierce critic of Erdoğan, has become a particularly effective thorn in the government’s side due to his solo investigative efforts and strong media presence. He described Çömez as “a one-man army that seriously disturbs the ruling bloc.”

Opposition Under Siege: Legal, Institutional and Media Pressure Mounts

The Turkish opposition faces increasing pressure not only through criminal proceedings but also via legislative maneuvering and aggressive media campaigns. In recent weeks, pro-government outlets have run coordinated stories targeting CHP figures, while prosecutors have issued new investigations and indictments related to alleged “terror ties,” “corruption,” or “public mismanagement.”

The arrest of Özgür Özel, who succeeded Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as CHP leader last year, would mark a significant escalation in the current political climate, potentially provoking both domestic unrest and international backlash.

Turkey’s Democracy on the Brink

Critics argue that the wave of arrests, detentions, and politically motivated lawsuits is part of a systemic dismantling of Turkey’s democratic institutions. Civil rights groups and European bodies have already condemned the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu as a violation of democratic norms and a direct affront to the electorate’s will.

As Önkibar put it in his broadcast:

“Democracy and the rule of law are suspended in Turkey. What we’re seeing is not isolated — it’s the full weaponization of the judiciary for political ends.”

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