Turkish Prosecutor Reopens Investigation into Opposition Leader Over Statement "Considered an Insult to the President"

SadaNews - The chief public prosecutor in Ankara has announced a new investigation against opposition leader Ozgur Ozel on charges of "insulting the president" Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other crimes, following statements he made.

According to the prosecutor's statement, Ozel's words during a press conference following a meeting of the Republican People's Party's executive committee on July 5 amount to crimes including insulting the president, publicly inciting a crime, insulting government officials, and threatening them.

It remains unclear which of his statements directly triggered the investigation, but Ozel had condemned the detention of three mayors from his party, calling for respect for the electorate's will and suggesting that "each of us will take our place in history."

Erdogan had previously filed a lawsuit against Ozel in November on charges of "publicly insulting the president" and "defaming the reputation and honor of the presidency."

Ozel also faces other lawsuits related to challenging his election as party president, accusations of insulting the Istanbul chief prosecutor, and threatening the judiciary. Media reports indicate efforts to lift his parliamentary immunity in preparation for prosecution on other cases.

 Source: "France 24"