Özgür Özel Criticizes Turkish Government Policies During Eid al-Adha Prayer
Referring to the recent detention of several mayors from his party, Özel called these actions unjust. He stated that the detentions were part of an organized campaign to tarnish his party’s reputation. According to him, CHP mayors have faced baseless accusations, even though the public voted for them in the recent local elections.
The CHP leader also pointed out the difference in judicial treatment between members of his party and officials from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). He noted that in the past, even when Recep Tayyip Erdoğan faced various allegations, he was never detained in the same way CHP members are being treated today.
In another part of his speech, Özel criticized Turkey’s economic situation. He highlighted rising prices, widespread unemployment, and the public’s financial struggles, saying these conditions have prevented many citizens from celebrating Eid joyfully. The CHP leader called for early elections so that, in his words, “the people can decide the country’s future.”
When asked about the recent judicial investigations against him over his remarks regarding a judicial official, Özel said he would not retract his statements. He emphasized that if anyone insults members of his party, they will face a strong response.
