The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation against Özel following his speech at a rally in Istanbul's Gaziosmanpaşa district on June 4. During what was described as a "Freedom for İmamoğlu" rally, Özel made strong statements directed at Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, who is overseeing investigations into several CHP municipalities, including that of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The investigation cites charges of "threatening a judicial official to prevent them from performing their duty" and "publicly insulting a public official due to their duty." Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç characterized Özel's statements as "reckless and irresponsible" and "a direct attack on the rule of law and judicial independence."
Political analysts view this development as part of a broader pattern of using judicial mechanisms to target opposition figures. İmamoğlu, who defeated President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's candidate twice in Istanbul mayoral elections, has been under investigation since Gürlek was appointed as Istanbul Chief Prosecutor in October 2024. Before this appointment, Gürlek served as Deputy Justice Minister under Tunç.
The timing of these investigations is particularly significant as Turkey approaches a critical political period. The CHP is scheduled to have a court hearing on June 30 regarding the validity of its party congress held in November 2023, which led to Özel's leadership; if the court rules against the CHP, Özel and his administration could be removed from their positions.
Meanwhile, İmamoğlu, who remains in custody, sent a message to supporters stating, "We are not being tried. We are being held hostage so that a handful of people who can never win an election again can win the next one."
The political climate in Turkey has become increasingly polarized, with all political equations seemingly centered around President Erdoğan's potential bid for another term. The Democratic Peoples' Party (DEM) has emerged as a key player in this complex political landscape.
International observers express concern about the independence of Turkey's judiciary, noting that the country's geopolitical significance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its strategic importance to the US and EU may be emboldening the government to take more aggressive domestic actions.
Critics argue that pushing the political system through judicial means has historically yielded negative consequences for Turkey. As Yetkin concludes in his commentary, "The system should not be strained this much. There is no benefit to the country or its people in further testing how far it can be pushed."
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