23.03.2025 00:00
The leader of the CHP, Özgür Özel, used provocative statements during his counter-speech in Saraçhane. Frequently warning the crowd against lighting torches and causing disturbances, Özel said, "Let's leave this place in the square. Those who want to go to Bozdoğan Bridge and clash with the police, raise your hands."
After the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the protest demonstrations that started in Saraçhane continue, while CHP Chairman Özgür Özel addressed the crowd once again. In his speech, Özel used statements that would spark controversy.
ÖZEL: RAISE YOUR HANDS IF YOU WANT TO CLASH WITH THE POLICE
Özel, who frequently warned the crowd not to light torches, cause disturbances, or provoke, said, "I will conduct a public vote from here. Let's leave this place in the square. Raise your hands if you want to clash with the police at Bozdoğan Bridge."
"WE CANNOT BE UNJUST WHEN WE ARE RIGHT"
Özel stated: "Whatever we do tonight, we will do it together. We must stand together for the youth, for Istanbul, for Ekrem İmamoğlu, and for our 393 friends who have been detained. However, we cannot be unjust when we are right."
"LET'S DEFEND OUR PEACEFUL AND JUST POSITION"
To the police in front of you, I say this for the group there, if you throw fireworks, I cannot defend this. Just as our children became blind during Gezi when fireworks were thrown from this side, if a police officer becomes blind or disabled, we cannot answer to that child or that father. Please, let’s defend our peaceful and just position. The strength of this square is in its righteousness, my brother. We are right, we will win.