04.05.2025 20:03
It was claimed that CHP leader Özgür Özel's official vehicle was not allowed into the closed parking lot during his entrance to the AKM, where the funeral ceremony of Sırrı Süreyya Önder was held. It has been reported that the party filed a complaint with the Istanbul Governorship against Deputy Provincial Police Chief Murat Özbek, who is alleged to have given the instruction not to allow the vehicle into the parking lot. The Istanbul Police Department, however, denied the claim.
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel was physically attacked after the funeral ceremony held at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) for the late Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and DEM Party Istanbul Deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder.
"THE OFFICIAL VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE CLOSED PARKING" ALLEGATION
After the attack, it was claimed that Özel's official vehicle was not taken to the closed parking lot during his entry into the AKM building. It was alleged that Özel had to walk outside the AKM to reach his vehicle at the end of the ceremony, and during this time, he was physically attacked.
CHP FILED A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE
Following the allegation that the instruction not to take the official vehicle to the parking lot was given by Deputy Chief of Police Murat Özbek, it was learned that the CHP Istanbul Provincial Organization filed a complaint with the Istanbul Governorship regarding the incident and Murat Özbek.
STATEMENT FROM ISTANBUL POLICE
Following the incident, a statement was made by the Istanbul Police Department regarding the matter. The statement said, "On May 4, 2025, regarding the attack on CHP Chairman Özgür Özel at the Atatürk Cultural Center; the news reported by some media outlets stating that the official vehicle was not taken to the closed parking lot during his entry into the Atatürk Cultural Center does not reflect the truth. Contrary to the claims, due to the congestion at the parking entrance, the vehicles were exited further back and walked to the event area to bypass the traffic. We respectfully announce to the public."