23.06.2026 17:11
Support came from former HDP Spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who drew particular reaction from DEM Party members after stating "I am not regretful" about his vote in the process of lifting parliamentary immunity. Bilgen, noting that the blame cannot be placed solely on Kılıçdaroğlu, shared the immunity petition submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly with the signatures of Pervin Buldan and İdris Baluken. Bilgen said, "We all signed that! We did the right thing. If it happened again, we should do it again."
The debates regarding the lifting of immunities in politics have reignited following Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's statements during a television program he attended recently. While Kılıçdaroğlu stated that he does not regret the decision he made at that time, the DEM Party front in particular reacted harshly.
PERVIN BULDAN AND IDRIS BALUKEN ALSO SIGNED THE IMMUNITY PETITION
A surprising show of support came for Kılıçdaroğlu. Former HDP Spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen shared the petition submitted to the Turkish Parliament at that time, bearing the signatures of Pervin Buldan and İdris Baluken.
"BLAMING KILIÇDAROĞLU DOES NOT CHANGE HISTORICAL TRUTH"
In his post, Bilgen stated: "We all signed it! We did the right thing. If it happened again, we should do it again. All party deputies, regardless of government or opposition, should do the same.
No one should have the privilege of committing a crime beyond parliamentary immunity. Getting carried away with a lynching operation by now blaming Kılıçdaroğlu does not change historical truth."
HATİMOĞULLARI: WE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED AN APOLOGY
Following Kılıçdaroğlu's statements, DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları, appearing on Halk TV, emphasized that they expected an apology from Kılıçdaroğlu on this matter. Hatimoğulları stated, "I watched Kılıçdaroğlu. We would have clearly expected him to apologize," indicating they anticipated an expression of regret.
Hatimoğulları also noted that from the beginning of the process, it was known that many politicians would be arrested if immunities were lifted, and said, "Admitting 'I was wrong, I was misled' is a virtue. He is still defending it. We do not accept this. The mentality that arrested our friends back then is the same mentality that appoints trustees today."
WHAT WAS THE CONTROVERSIAL IMMUNITY STATEMENT?
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's surprising decision on this matter came right after his controversial remarks during a live broadcast.
In the program, when reminded of his past support for lifting parliamentary immunities and faced with the comment, "When you last did this, Selahattin Demirtaş was arrested," Kılıçdaroğlu responded, "There was already a majority against Mr. Selahattin; there was a terrorism accusation against him."
Confirming that they voted in favor of lifting all immunities, Kılıçdaroğlu gave a clear "No" response to the question "Do you regret it?" drawing backlash from the political arena and the DEM Party front.