DAs Open New Criminal Investigation Into CHP Leader Özgür Özel Over Alleged Insult to President Erdoğan

Prosecutors in Istanbul have launched yet another criminal investigation against Republican People’s Party (CHP) chair Özgür Özel over remarks he made at a campaign event. The latest probe adds to a growing list of legal and political pressures targeting Türkiye’s main opposition leader as Parliament faces new motions to lift his immunity.

Istanbul Prosecutor Opens Probe After Rally Speech

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation ex officio into CHP leader Özgür Özel on charges of “insulting the President” and “insulting a public official due to his duty.”

The probe relates to Özel’s speech during a CHP rally held over the weekend in Istanbul’s Ümraniye district. According to the prosecutor’s written statement, Özel allegedly targeted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and members of the judiciary conducting investigations into alleged corruption and criminal organization links within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

The statement cited Özel’s words directed at Erdoğan:

“From now on, keep your dog, the one you command, the one who comes after us, under control.”

Prosecutors say the expression constitutes an offense under Articles 299 and 125 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalize insulting the president and insulting public officials in relation to their duty.

Mounting Legal Pressure on the Opposition Leader

This marks another legal action against Özel, who has rapidly become one of Erdoğan’s most outspoken political challengers since winning the CHP leadership in late 2023.

Over the past year:

• Prosecutors have filed multiple investigation requests against Özel for “insulting the president” and “inciting public hatred.”

• The Justice Ministry has transmitted motions to the Grand National Assembly seeking to lift Özel’s parliamentary immunity.

• Özel faces ongoing cases over earlier remarks criticizing the judiciary, accusing Erdoğan of “political engineering,” and calling certain constitutional court rulings “hostage to the palace.”

If Parliament approves the motions—which is possible given the ruling alliance’s majority—Özel could be forced to stand trial.

A Pattern of Criminal Cases Against Opposition Figures

Article 299 (“insulting the president”) has been repeatedly criticized by the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that the provision restricts freedom of expression and violates democratic norms.

According to figures shared in Parliament:

• More than 160,000 investigations have been launched since Erdoğan became president.

• Thousands of opposition figures, journalists, academics, and activists have been prosecuted.

Legal experts note that expanding criminal probes during an election period may create a chilling effect on political speech.

Özel: “This will not intimidate us”

CHP sources say Özel sees the investigation as part of a coordinated effort to suppress political competition. Speaking after the rally, he criticized what he called the “politicization of the judiciary,” adding:

“We will not be silenced. We will defend democracy and the will of the people.”

The CHP leadership is preparing a legal response and may bring the matter before the Constitutional Court and international institutions.

What Comes Next?

If the prosecutor formally files charges:

• The decision would move to Parliament’s Joint Constitutional and Justice Committee, which would decide whether to lift Özel’s immunity.

• The process could take several months, but could escalate political tensions ahead of municipal elections and ongoing political negotiations between opposition parties.

Observers say the investigation will likely deepen Türkiye’s debate over judicial independence ahead of Erdoğan’s declared constitutional overhaul project.