08.05.2025 09:12
The CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who was attacked upon leaving the AKM after attending a commemoration ceremony for the Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, had called for an investigation into the deputy police chief who did not allow their vehicle to enter the parking lot. In a new statement regarding the attack, Özel expressed that an investigation has been initiated against the deputy police chief.
CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel was attacked after leaving the Atatürk Cultural Center, where he had gone to attend a memorial ceremony for DEM Party Istanbul Deputy and Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Sırrı Süreyya Önder.
In statements made after the attack, Özel said, "On the day the attack occurred, an unexpected event took place. Our team said, 'They didn't let us into the parking lot, we will exit from the door we entered.' I said, 'Why wouldn't they let us in?' Deputy Chief of Police Murat Özbek, a bit angry with our security, is not letting us into the parking lot. Our team prefers the parking lot for security reasons. They want to take us up and down in the elevator. That's why I need to walk through there (the door). The guy is waiting right there; it's very clear that it was a pre-planned job. I see him while walking, his face is turned towards me. He turns as if to give way, showing his back. He is leaning to the right as if to hit me with a golf club. He is coming quickly and trying to hit me. I saw him coming. I reflexively pulled my head back.
"THE ONLY PERSON I APPROACHED WITH SUSPICION IS THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE"
I do not approach the attitudes of the Minister of Interior, the Istanbul Police, or the governor with suspicion. There is one person I approach with suspicion: That deputy chief of police forced us to pass through there. Why wouldn't he let the vehicle in? Every deputy's vehicle enters the parking lot of every official institution. I have been a deputy for 13 years; there is no parking lot I couldn't enter. He says, 'You cannot enter, you will stay here.' He is forcing me to leave. If you ask, 'Who made you pass through there?' it was the deputy chief of police. But I have serious suspicions. Everyone who experienced the incident with me, including my driver, conveys the same thing. They should open an investigation against the deputy chief of police. Our security team, the driver, and our deputies should definitely provide the necessary information. If this is not done, the burden will fall on the state. If this is done, if there is a mistake or a connection, it will come to light," he stated.
ÖZEL MADE ANOTHER STATEMENT
In new statements to Sözcü Newspaper regarding the attack he suffered at the exit of the AKM, CHP General Chairman Özgür Özel indicated that the reason he had to walk to the ceremony was the instruction of Istanbul Deputy Chief of Police Murat Özbek.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE
Özel stated, "Our official vehicle was not allowed to enter the AKM parking lot. An investigation has been initiated against the police chief who made this decision. Additionally, an investigation has also been opened regarding my security team as a formality," he said.
"THIS ATTACK IS AGAINST BOTH ME AND THE POLITICAL INSTITUTION"
Özel evaluated the incident not only as an attack against himself but also as an attack against the political institution. "This attack has been made against both me and the entire political institution," said Özel, emphasizing the importance of ensuring security in the political arena for the democratic process.