Zafer Sırakaya, an AK Parti Vice Chairman stated:

“Ensuring the integrity of the judicial investigation into the alleged profiteering network claimed to have been established within the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul, as brought before the judiciary by whistle-blowers from within the CHP administration, is the responsibility of anyone who considers it their duty to uphold Atatürk’s legacy.”

In regard to the ongoing corruption and terrorism investigations launched by Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Zafer Sırakaya shared a statement on his social media accounts.

“Just as the issue during the Gezi Park events, in 2013, was never truly about the environment and trees. Today in Saraçhane, it is not about the ongoing trial regarding the leadership of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul. Instead of Mr Özel responding to the allegations directed toward his party, Mr Özel is attempting to rescue the corrupt mechanism into which his party has fallen, or been dragged into, by resorting to direct political militancy. We call and invite Mr Özel to abandon provocation and adopt a stance of democratic party leadership.”

Sırakaya further emphasised that attacking police officers who are on duty, threatening law enforcement, and using this organised crime investigation as an excuse to call people into the streets amounts to an open and blatant attempt to undermine democracy. Adding to his statement, Mr Sırakaya pointed out that no one has the right to do such a thing on these ancient and important land.

Sırakaya carried on making the following remarks:

“In our political history, the only party who has consistently drawn strength from coups and viewed every threat to our democracy as an opportunity is CHP. Those who once stood in silence in honour of the foots that trampled on our nation’s values and beliefs now shamelessly attack our President, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The very leader who has elevated and improve the democracy in Türkiye. This behaviour from CHP, is nothing more than an expression of their own guilt and denial.”

“The Turkish people will not place their trust in the so-called ‘Özel formula,’ which merely serves as a cover for the CHP’s internal turmoil, factionalism, and culture of infighting and blame for personal gain.

It is the duty of all who are committed to preserving Atatürk’s legacy to ensure the integrity of the judicial investigation into the alleged profiteering network reportedly established in the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul a matter brought before the courts by whistle-blowers from within the CHP itself.”

“We call on the leadership of CHP leadership, who are attempting to stir unrest in both our Parliament and our streets with slogans echoing those of terrorist organisations, to return to the principles of democracy and adopt a stance grounded in reason and responsibility.”