CHP Leader Özgür Özel Demands Justice and Transparency

Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chair Özgür Özel made his 15th visit to Silivri Prison, where Istanbul Mayor and CHP’s presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu and dozens of bureaucrats have been held since the March 19 operations. Speaking to journalists outside Marmara Penitentiary, Özel called for fair trials, immediate indictments, and the release of detainees pending trial.

During his visit, Özel met with Zeydan Karalar, Resul Emrah Şahan, Rıza Akpolat, Çağla Demir, Kadriye Kasapoğlu, Oya Tekin, Mustafa Akın, Baki Aydöner, and Aykut Erdoğdu, all of whom are under investigation or detained.

“That Octopus’s Adana Arm Was Born Before Its Head”

Criticizing the arrest of Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar, Özel said:

“The Adana arm of this political octopus was born before the head. How can an arm precede the brain? The case must be separated and transferred to Adana. Are the prosecutors and judges in Adana incapable of delivering justice?”

İzmir Judiciary Sets the Example for Rule of Law

Özel praised Izmir’s judicial handling of similar cases, noting that despite a 150-person file, prosecutors swiftly completed the indictment within 10 days, and the judge opted for trial without detention.

“The Izmir prosecutor did his job—no false witnesses, no secret testimonies, no intimidation. Just the rule of law. What would I criticize him for?” he remarked.

“If İmamoğlu Fled, Erdoğan Would Celebrate”

Özel rejected allegations that İmamoğlu might flee:

“If Ekrem İmamoğlu were to escape, President Erdoğan would be the happiest man alive. He’d hold a celebration in the palace garden.”

He continued:

“Ekrem İmamoğlu frightens no one except Erdoğan. He brings smiles to others, and anxiety to Erdoğan.”

Özel called on prosecutors to draft indictments promptly and conduct transparent trials without pretrial detention, saying CHP stands for justice—not for shielding criminals, but for protecting the innocent.

“Beyaz Toros” Controversy Sparks Outrage

Özel sharply criticized a prosecutor allegedly using a “white Toros” model—a symbol of 1990s-era state repression—as an intimidation tactic:

“If the prosecutor graduated from a FETÖ-affiliated school, why is he still here? They expelled others for less. Now they’re using him.”

Addressing veiled threats reportedly made to him, Özel challenged the prosecutor:

“If you’re going to do something, do it. Otherwise, you’re not a man. Don’t send threats to the opposition leader from the shadows.”

Eurofighter and Parliament Commission Remarks

Commenting on the Eurofighter Typhoon agreement, Özel claimed the CHP played a constructive role in facilitating approval:

“Under normal circumstances, Erdoğan should thank us,” he said, referencing recent discussions with German officials.

On parliamentary developments, he said:

“The commission idea was ours. In Diyarbakır, there’s democracy. In Istanbul, there’s autocracy.”