08.05.2026 19:15
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, regarding the party's congress case postponed to July 1 and the decision to hear Adem Soytekin, said: "Adem Soytekin said, 'I heard something from someone'—let them come and explain. Ask whoever they heard it from as well. Let them question and investigate until there is not the slightest doubt. Because this matter cannot tolerate any stain, and CHP's congress is not one that can be tarnished."
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel attended the commemoration program for Deniz Gezmiş, Yusuf Aslan, and Hüseyin İnan, who were executed on May 6, 1972, at Karşıyaka Cemetery. After the program, Özel answered questions about current issues.
Regarding the CHP congress case being heard today, Özel said, "Adem Soytekin said, 'I heard something from someone'—let him come and explain. Whoever he heard it from should also be questioned. Let them investigate until not the slightest doubt remains, because this matter cannot tolerate any stain, and the CHP congress is not one that can be tarnished. On the contrary, if that outcome had not occurred in the CHP congress, the leader of no political party would have been able to change through a contest in the 104-year history of the republic. This congress is one that, as a congress where a political party's leader changed through a democratic race and with gentlemanly conduct, has granted an honor certificate to both the winner and the loser."
"BAHÇELİ'S STATEMENT IS VALUABLE"
When reminded of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's 'absolute nullity' statement yesterday, Özel said, "Mr. Bahçeli's statement yesterday is valuable and important. It is a statement that was necessary. By opposing an irregular and unjust practice against one political party, another political party not only shows gentlemanly conduct but also defends the ground on which it itself exists. For nearly a year, we have been defending not just the CHP but the system from which political parties draw strength—defending democracy."
CONGRESS CASE POSTPONED, ADEM SOYTEKIN TO BE HEARD
The trial of 12 defendants, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was suspended from duty due to a corruption investigation on allegations of irregularities at the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, continued.
The court, announcing its interim decision, ruled to hear Özgen Nama's defense and to issue a warrant to obtain Adem Soytekin's testimony as a witness, and adjourned the hearing until July 1.