CHP Leader Slams Karalar’s Arrest: “Unlawful Persecution Must End”

CHP Chair Özgür Özel has strongly condemned the arrest of Adana Metropolitan Mayor Zeydan Karalar, calling the move “an outright disgrace” and part of an ongoing campaign of politically motivated repression. Speaking on a live television broadcast, Özel criticized what he described as a deepening authoritarian crackdown and warned that such “persecutions” are set to continue.

“This is not just sad—it’s completely unacceptable. It’s a disgrace. These acts of oppression will continue, and perhaps the more they intensify, the sooner this regime’s end will come,” Özel said.

Legal System Under Fire

Özel claimed that Karalar’s arrest was based on legally permissible public payments made over a decade ago and accused authorities of inventing offenses that don’t exist in the Turkish Penal Code. He argued that Karalar, who has been repeatedly re-elected with growing public support, is now being punished for defeating AKP-backed rivals.

“Our friends are in prison for one reason only: the unwritten crime of defeating AKP,” he added.

Media Crackdown and RTÜK Sanctions

Özel also voiced support for Sözcü TV, which was recently hit with a 10-day blackout penalty. He praised the station for its coverage of opposition rallies and criticized the media watchdog RTÜK for what he called “silencing dissent.”

“You’ve done honorable journalism. The government punishes you because they can’t handle the truth being aired,” Özel told the station.

He argued that media censorship, combined with political arrests, reflects a broader climate of repression. “This is not democracy—it’s tyranny,” he said.

CHP’s Rise and the Politics of Suppression

Özel linked the wave of arrests and penalties to the CHP’s growing political influence, noting that the party is now polling first nationwide for the first time in 47 years. He believes the government is unable to respond through democratic means and is resorting instead to judicial and media repression.

“The country is suffering through a year of terrible news. 2025 feels like hell. They’ve turned Türkiye into a pressure cooker,” he declared.

A Message of Resistance and Hope

Despite the setbacks, Özel reaffirmed the opposition’s resolve to contest power through the ballot box, framing upcoming elections as a chance for citizens to reclaim their voice.

“Our so-called crime is preparing for the next election. Our only goal is to ensure that the people take back control of the country,” he said.