05.05.2026 02:05
Arif Kocabıyık, who had recently been presented with the CHP party badge by Chairman Özgür Özel, confused the main opposition party. Following objections within the party to Kocabıyık's past posts and especially footage taken at an entertainment venue, his membership process was suspended.
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel had recently pinned a party badge on Arif Kocabıyık, who sparked a major controversy within the party due to his past posts and footage taken at an entertainment venue. Particularly after the images spread on social media, strong objections from the party base and management level found a response at the headquarters.
DECISION TO SUSPEND MEMBERSHIP PROCESSES
In response to the backlash, the CHP administration stepped back and officially decided to suspend Arif Kocabıyık's membership procedures. Following this step taken to ease the unrest within the party, Kocabıyık, known for his street interviews, had his party enrollment process put on hold.
STATEMENT FROM CHP
In a statement made by CHP on the matter, the following expressions were included: "Özgür Özel, amidst a crowded and intense meeting schedule, pinned a badge on Arif Kocabıyık, as he did for many citizens requesting membership.
However, information has been obtained about the said individual's past attitudes and social media posts.
Behaviors incompatible with the principles and values of the Republican People's Party are unacceptable. Therefore, the necessary evaluation was made immediately; Arif Kocabıyık's party membership procedures, for which no official registration had yet been made, have been suspended."