09.05.2026 16:52
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, addressing Justice Minister Akın Gürlek at the Rize rally, said: "We will disclose our assets, all our bank accounts and account transactions. We will examine all transactions of first-degree relatives and various names in the circle. If there is even a single stain, I will not remain in this position for a moment. I dare you! Are you ready, Mr. Akın? Are you ready to account?"
The 108th of CHP's "Protecting the National Will" rallies was held in Rize. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel addressed the crowd at the rally.
Speaking at Rize square, Özgür Özel reiterated his call for elections. Addressing President Erdoğan, Özel said, "Hear the voice of this nation, I am calling out to Erdoğan from this historic square, from Rize. Forget my candidacy, bring the ballot box. I want my candidacy by my side, and the ballot box in front of me. Here I am, come and get me."
Özel, stating that the people of Rize also demand elections, said, "Mr. Erdoğan, this is Rize, Rize. Rize is asking you for the ballot box."
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"WE ARE RESISTING THOSE WHO STAGE COUPS"
In his speech, Özel also touched upon the July 15 coup attempt, stating that they took a clear stance against the coup that night. Recalling that he said, "This coup is being made against democracy. We do not care who is behind it," Özel stated that they attempted to convene the Parliament at that time.
Özel said, "Just as we resisted that coup on July 15 back then, just as we were democrats that day, today we are resisting the March 19 coup, the AK Toroslar gang, the next President after this one, and those who staged a coup against tomorrow's government with the same conviction."
ASSET ALLEGATIONS
Özgür Özel devoted a significant part of his speech to Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek. Making allegations about Gürlek's assets, Özel said, "A prosecutor, a judge cannot work elsewhere or earn money from other places. This man has accumulated exactly 16 deeds. Two unknown ones came to light. They were also declared, and the companies accepted them. He has been in service for a total of 19 years. Even if he served for 190 years, or if he alone received the salary of 10 prosecutors in 19 years, it would be impossible for him to amass this wealth."
Özel also called on Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, saying, "I say to Murat Kurum; 'If it's a lie, say so.' He remains silent."
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ALLEGATION OF "LISTENING TO ERDOĞAN"
Özel said, "While he was a prosecutor, he would meet with the President in the VIP room of the Hazreti Ali Mosque and plan operations. Now he talks on an encrypted phone and records Tayyip Erdoğan's voice. He gets him to approve everything that would be a crime, and records it. He got a safe deposit box and is stacking the voice recordings in that bank safe deposit box."
Addressing President Erdoğan, Özel said, "Today in Ankara, he can have that bank safe deposit box opened. He can seize the memory cards on which Akın Gürlek recorded your voice for the future."
Continuing his speech, Özel alleged that some people were forced to give statements under pressure, claiming, "For a month, they have been sending lawyers, saying, 'Slander the party, slander Özgür, we will give you assets, we will release you.'"
"LET'S DISCLOSE OUR ASSETS"
Addressing Akın Gürlek, Özel said, "You are a minister, I am the Chairman. We will disclose our assets, we will disclose all our bank accounts. We will disclose all account movements. We will examine all movements of your first-degree relatives and those around you, your security, driver, and various individuals." Özel concluded his speech with the words, "Here I am, come and get me."