UPDATE: CHP Leader Özgür Özel Attacked After Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s Memorial Ceremony

Ministry: Man Who Attacked Özel Had Killed His Two Children, Released on Parole

The Ministry of Interior has announced that the suspect who attacked CHP (Republican People’s Party) Chairman Özgür Özel had killed two of his children and injured the other two in 2004.

Önder, who had been receiving hospital treatment for 18 days, passed away yesterday due to multi-organ failure. Prior to the funeral, a memorial ceremony was organized for Sırrı Süreyya at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM).
At the ceremony held at AKM, a suspect physically attacked Özel by punching him.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the suspect had been apprehended.

The ministry’s statement about the attacker is as follows:

“The individual named S.T., aged 66, who carried out the physical attack on CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel, was found to have killed his children B.T. and M.T. in 2004, and injured his other two children.
He has prior records for theft and threats. Having received a life sentence, S.T. was released in 2020 under conditional parole.”

According to information relayed by ANKA, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office made the following statement regarding the incident:

“According to initial findings, the individual has a criminal record for murdering his children in 2004. Also, based on initial assessments, there are no signs of mental illness.”

Naturally, sources within the CHP and opposition are questioning how such a murderer was allowed to roam free. The Ministry, on the other hand, stated that he benefited from conditional parole under a law enacted before the AKP came to power.

The attack on Özel, the lynching attempt against Tuğrul Türkeş’s daughter (an İYİ Party MP) during a gravesite visit, and the shooting at CHP’s campaign bus in Konya all follow a similar pattern: individuals with criminal backgrounds or mental instability but no political affiliation are chosen to attack targets identified by the government.
The Erdoğan regime and its ally Devlet Bahçeli use this method to send their intended messages to opposition figures and institutions, all while hiding behind a façade of innocence.

These attacks began after Erdoğan’s threatening remarks directed at CHP presidential candidates, where he warned, “You too will be eliminated like Ekrem İmamoğlu.”

CHP (Republican People’s Party) Chairman Özgür Özel was physically attacked following the funeral ceremony of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away due to multiple organ failure on the 18th day of treatment for heart complications. The incident took place outside the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul, where the memorial was being held.

“I Am a Descendant of the Ottomans” — Attacker Struck Özel in the Face

As the ceremony concluded and Özel exited the AKM building, an unidentified individual approached him and shouted, “I am a descendant of the Ottomans,” before landing a hard slap on Özel’s face. The CHP leader collapsed briefly and was immediately secured by his bodyguards, while the attacker was subdued on the scene.

Interior Minister Yerlikaya: “The Assailant Has Been Detained”

Following the attack, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya issued a statement on social media, saying:

“We strongly condemn the physical assault targeting CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel and wish him a swift recovery. The attacker has been identified as S.T. and has been taken into custody. Any act of violence aimed at disturbing public peace will be met with full legal consequences.”

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office: Investigation Ongoing

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office also released an official statement confirming the ongoing investigation:

“An investigation has been launched regarding the assault on CHP Chairman Özgür Özel during today’s program. The perpetrator has been apprehended and taken into custody. A detailed inquiry is underway.”

Justice Minister Tunç: “Violence Has No Place in Democracy”

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç joined the chorus of condemnations:

“I send my best wishes to Mr. Özgür Özel. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has immediately launched a legal investigation into this vile assault, and the suspect has been detained. In democratic societies, violence is never a legitimate tool for any ideology or political disagreement. Upholding the rule of law and social peace is a shared responsibility.”

Ekrem İmamoğlu: “Shameful Cowards and Provocateurs”

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, currently under detention, also issued a statement:

“I condemn the heinous attack on our Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel. I demand the full and immediate exposure of the attacker and any associated individuals. When those in power speak recklessly about ‘eliminating’ others, it empowers these shameless provocateurs and ignorant cowards. Get well soon, Mr. Chairman.”