Far-right party leader Umit Ozdag faces prison sentence of up to 4 years and 8 months

An indictment has been filed on Monday against nationalist Zafer Partesi (Victory Party) leader Umit Ozdag on charges of “publicly insulting the president,” with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence ranging from one year and two months to four years and eight months.

Details of indictment on Umit Ozdag

The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, lists President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the complainant and Umit Ozdag as the suspect.

According to the document, the investigation was launched after Ozdag made remarks directed at Erdogan during his party’s provincial chairpersons’ consultation meeting on Jan. 19.

The indictment states that Ozdag’s statements constituted the offense of “insulting the President,” leading to a formal investigation. It also notes that the Justice Ministry granted the necessary authorization for prosecution.

Ongoing investigation into additional charges

In addition to the “publicly insulting the president,” charge, Ozdag is also under investigation for “inciting hatred and enmity among the public.”

Prosecutors previously issued a detention order against him for this offense, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The indictment argues that Ozdag’s remarks were “derogatory statements” aimed at damaging the honor, dignity, and respectability of the President.

The prosecution claims there is sufficient suspicion to proceed with a criminal case against Ozdag.

Potential legal consequences

Alongside the prison sentence request, prosecutors have sought to apply Article 53/1 of the Turkish Penal Code, which could bar Ozdag from holding public office, including parliamentary duties, if convicted.

The indictment has been submitted to the Criminal Court of First Instance for evaluation. If the court accepts the case, Ozdag will face trial on charges of “publicly insulting the President.”

Background of the case

The case stems from an investigation initiated after Ozdag’s remarks during a speech in Antalya. Initially detained on “insulting the president” charges, he was later released.

However, the investigation was expanded to include his statements on Syrian refugees, leading to additional charges of “inciting hatred and enmity.”

During his statement to prosecutors, Ozdag denied any wrongdoing, arguing that his remarks were directed at Erdogan in his capacity as the ruling party’s leader rather than as president.

“There is no insult in my words. My speech was a response to statements made by Erdogan in his role as a party chairman, not as president,” he stated.