Turkish far-right leader under investigation for insulting President Erdogan

An investigation has been initiated against Umit Ozdag, the leader of the far-right nationalist and anti-immigrant Victory Party, for allegedly insulting Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the inquiry began following remarks made by Ozdag during a speech at his party’s Provincial Presidents Consultation Meeting on Jan. 19, 2025.

In an official statement, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office explained that Ozdag’s comments, made during the meeting in Antalya, were considered offensive and threatening towards President Erdogan.

The statement read, “An investigation has been initiated against Victory Party Leader Umit Ozdag for insulting the President based on his remarks made on January 19, 2025, during the Provincial Presidents Consultation Meeting. This information is being made public.”

What did Ozdag say?

During his speech in Antalya, Ozdag stated, “No Crusade has caused as much harm to the Turkish people and the Turkish state as Erdogan and the AK Party have.” These remarks have sparked significant controversy and led to the ongoing investigation.

Ozdag, known for his far-right nationalist views and strong opposition to immigration, has frequently voiced harsh criticism of the government’s policies on refugees and foreign nationals. His political platform is marked by a staunch stance against immigration, which has further polarized the political discourse in Türkiye.