29.04.2025 10:51
Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the Victory Party, appeared before the judge after being charged with the crime of "insulting the President," facing a prison sentence of up to 4 years and 8 months. A significant commotion occurred before the hearing, which was closely followed by CHP leader Özgür Özel and many other politicians, while party members chanted, "President Ümit is not alone." Meanwhile, Özdağ was seen on camera for the first time in days while making his defense.
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On January 19, during the Provincial Presidents Consultation Meeting of his party in Antalya, the Chairman of the Victory Party, Ümit Özdağ, stated, "No Crusade that has taken place in the last thousand years has caused as much harm to the Turkish nation and the Turkish state as Erdoğan and the AKP have." One day after this speech, Ümit Özdağ was detained in Ankara on charges of "insulting the president," and after his statement to the prosecutor, he was arrested on charges of "publicly inciting hatred and hostility." A case was opened against Özdağ with a request for a prison sentence of up to 4 years and 8 months for the charge of "insulting the president."
CROWDING OCCURRED
Since January 21, Özdağ has been detained in Marmara Prison in Silivri, and a political ban is also being requested against him. Özdağ's first hearing is being held in the courtroom of the Istanbul 14th Heavy Criminal Court due to the small size of the Istanbul 35th Criminal Court. Before the hearing, lawyers were not allowed into the courtroom, and a scuffle occurred in the courthouse corridors.
THE HEARING STARTED WITH ÖZDAĞ'S DEFENSE
Many politicians, journalists, and legal professionals gathered in front of the courtroom to watch the hearing. A crowd formed during the entry. The hearing began with Ümit Özdağ's defense.
CHP LEADER ÖZEL ALSO IN THE COURTROOM
The hearing is being attended by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Vice Chairman of the Victory Party Ali Şehirlioğlu, Chairman of the Independent Turkey Party Hüseyin Baş, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, CHP Ordu Deputy Seyit Torun, and many others, including Ayşe Ateş, the wife of the former Chairman of the Ülkü Ocakları, Sinan Ateş, who was killed in an armed attack in Ankara.
WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGE AGAIN ON JUNE 11
Özdağ is being held on charges of "publicly inciting hatred and hostility." In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for this crime, a prison sentence of 7 years, 10 months, and 15 days is being sought. The hearing for this case will be held on June 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Istanbul 18th Criminal Court.
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