Former opposition leader Kilicdaroglu faces up to 3.5 years in prison
Former Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu (R) and CHP's new chairman, Ozgur Ozel (L) at the 38th Ordinary Congress of Republican People's Party at the Ankara Sports Hall in Ankara, Turkiye on November 04, 2023. (AA Photo)
An Ankara court has accepted an indictment against Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the seventh leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), seeking a prison sentence of up to three-and-a-half years.
The charges are based on allegations that Kilicdaroglu “glorified crime and criminals” in various speeches and public statements.
Court accepts indictment against Kilicdaroglu
The indictment, filed by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, follows complaints made by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputies Feti Yildiz, Izzet Ulvi Yonter, and Ismail Faruk Aksu. The charges reference several public remarks made by Kilicdaroglu, particularly concerning the detention of Selahattin Demirtas, former co-leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
The indictment highlights a June 20, 2019 interview where Kilicdaroglu expressed support for Demirtas.
Additionally, the indictment cites a Sept. 13, 2017, appearance on Fox TV’s “Calar Saat”, where Kilicdaroglu defended CHP Istanbul Deputy Sezgin Tanrikulu during a debate on the usage of Türkiye’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) against PKK/YPG terrorist group.
However, the indictment notes that some of Kilicdaroglu’s actions, particularly those made during speeches in the Turkish Parliament, are protected under “legislative immunity” according to the Turkish Constitution and cannot be subject to criminal prosecution.
What conviction could mean for Kilicdaroglu
Kilicdaroglu’s attorney, Celal Celik, described the case as politically driven. “This is a trial initiated by political orders,” Celik said. He added, “If convicted, the legal consequence is a political ban.”
If convicted, Kilicdaroglu could face both a prison sentence and a political ban, which would prevent him from participating in future political activities.
Background of complaint against Kemal Kilicdaroglu
The complaint was initially filed by MHP deputies in February 2022, but no action was taken at the time due to Kilicdaroglu’s parliamentary immunity.
Following the removal of his immunity, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office prepared and submitted the indictment, which has now been accepted by the court.
