09.10.2025 10:20
During the general discussion in the Turkish Grand National Assembly regarding the intervention of the Freedom Fleet, the claim that "private planes were sent for the deputies" sparked controversy. Özlem Zengin stated that the plane was sent, while Selçuk Özdağ reacted by saying, "Don't board that plane, come with the citizens." Zengin later took the floor again and clarified that the plane was sent not only for the deputies but for all the detained activists.
In the Turkish Grand National Assembly last night, following Israel's intervention in the Freedom Flotilla, a general discussion was opened regarding the detention of Turkish citizens, including Saadet Party Hatay Deputy Necmettin Çalışkan, Bursa Deputy Mehmet Atmaca, and Future Party Denizli Deputy Sema Silkin Ün.
Speaking in the General Assembly, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir stated that the sanctions imposed on Israel were either delayed or not fully implemented, saying, "A lot of speeches were made here about the inhumane genocide in Gaza, but it is extremely valuable to once again shout out what the political power has not done from here. When we asked the esteemed speaker representing the AKP, he proudly said that trade ended in May 2024. They claim they ended it after 9 months. When we said, 'You are still trading with Israel' during that 9-month period, they accused us of being traitors to the homeland," he stated.
"A PRIVATE PLANE WAS SENT FOR OUR DEPUTIES"
AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Özlem Zengin also responded to Emir's claims, stating, "There is absolutely no oil going to Israel through that route, passing through Turkish ports. Azerbaijan has also adhered to this law. I spoke with our Foreign Minister. Three of our deputies are in Ashdod Port. A special plane went there. Our people there have been monitored. A private plane was sent for our deputies. We expect them to be here tomorrow, but at the latest the day after."
"DON'T BOARD THAT PRIVATE PLANE"
New Path Party Group Deputy Chairman Selçuk Özdağ also reacted to the rejection of the requests for a general discussion and a declaration to be published by the ruling party deputies in the General Assembly yesterday. Responding to Zengin's statement, "A private plane was sent for our deputies," Özdağ said, "When Hasan Bitmez passed away here, he thankfully said, 'You are trading.' You said, 'We are not.' You were. When you applied to the South African Court of Justice, you waited for 8 months. Don't wait, see the danger. You couldn't see Israel. You can't say anything to Trump. These general discussions are insufficient. 'We will send a plane for the deputies.' Don't come from there, come with the citizens. Don't board that private plane," he said.
ÖZLEM ZENGİN CLARIFIED HER STATEMENTS
After Özdağ's reaction, Zengin clarified her statements, indicating that the private plane was sent not only for the deputies but for all activists detained by Israel.