In a high-profile meeting at the CHP headquarters, Özgür Özel, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) of Turkey, met with Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chairs of the Democracy Party (DEM). The leaders discussed key political issues, including the Kurdish question and recent government interventions. Following the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of parliamentary involvement in democratic processes.
Tuncer Bakırhan highlighted CHP’s potential role in resolving the Kurdish issue, stating, “CHP can play a significant role in finding a solution.” Bakırhan also expressed concerns over the increasing use of appointed trustees, or “kayyum,” in place of elected officials, a practice reminiscent of Turkey’s state of emergency period.
Özel Condemns Judicial Overreach
Özgür Özel took the opportunity to address ongoing judicial actions against him and other public figures. Referring to a recent investigation launched against him for criticizing Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, Özel questioned the motives behind politically charged cases.
“Is it your duty to become the executioner of justice just because you were given an order?” Özel asked, directly challenging Gürlek’s decisions. He highlighted past instances where people were prosecuted for routine actions, such as offering condolences, making phone calls, or having minor bank transactions.
“Does expressing condolences count as a crime? Is a phone call or a ten-year-old transaction enough to justify prosecution?” Özel continued, referencing what he described as politically motivated legal maneuvers.
Targeting Dissent Through Legal Means
Özel pointed to broader concerns about Turkey’s judicial system, particularly the ongoing persecution of individuals linked to the Hizmet Movement. Thousands have been imprisoned for actions as mundane as depositing money in legal banks or working in lawful institutions. He cited the recent arrest of Yeni Asya editor-in-chief Kazım Güleçyüz for offering condolences on the death of Fethullah Gülen’s brother.
“These detentions are not about justice; they are about silencing dissent,” Özel asserted.
Call for Legislative Reform
Özel also touched on efforts to end the practice of appointing trustees in place of elected officials. He recalled that a coalition of 10 opposition parties had introduced a bill to Parliament, aiming to curb the use of kayyum appointments. “The only parties not supporting this bill are the AKP and MHP,” he noted.
Despite this, Özel found it encouraging that even within the ruling coalition, voices are emerging in support of reforms. He urged the ruling AKP to take steps toward ending this “anti-democratic” practice, emphasizing that bipartisan cooperation would strengthen public trust and national unity.
Dialogue and Democratic Solutions
Özel reiterated the need for a transparent, inclusive dialogue to address Turkey’s longstanding issues. “We need a process rooted in societal consensus, with the Turkish Grand National Assembly at its center,” he said. He called for an approach that includes all political parties and protects marginalized groups, emphasizing that genuine transparency and sincerity could lead to lasting peace and unity.
DEM Party’s Position on İmralı Talks
Tuncer Bakırhan also addressed questions about possible talks with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK. He confirmed that DEM Party had submitted a request to the Ministry of Justice but was still awaiting a response. “What matters is not who goes but what is discussed and achieved,” Bakırhan said.
A Turning Point for Turkey’s Democracy?
The discussions between CHP and DEM highlight the shifting political landscape in Turkey, with calls for legal reforms and democratic engagement taking center stage. Whether these efforts will yield tangible results remains to be seen, but Özel’s remarks have undoubtedly added momentum to the debate on judicial independence and democratic governance.
