Former opposition leader Kilicdaroglu faces 18th criminal case

Former Turkish opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu is now the subject of his 18th criminal case, his attorney Celal Celik announced Thursday. Prosecutors are seeking a cumulative 65 years of imprisonment and an equivalent political ban across all cases filed against him.

Celik disclosed the latest development in a social media post, expressing frustration over what he described as a pattern of judicial targeting. “We have just learned of another criminal case filed against our chairman,” he wrote. “As of today, the number of criminal cases against Kemal Kilicdaroglu has reached 18. The total sentence being sought is 65 years in prison, along with a political ban of equal duration.”

Celik condemned the prosecutions as part of a systematic effort to suppress Kilicdaroglu. “Why is he subjected to this judicial harassment? What are they so afraid of? His truth-telling and fearless critiques terrify them,” he wrote, adding, “But let it be clear: Kemal Kilicdaroglu will never step back or abandon his fight.”

The cases against Kilicdaroglu have intensified following his departure as CHP leader earlier this year. Allegations in previous indictments have included “glorifying crime and criminals,” based on his public remarks supporting detained politicians and criticizing government policies.

In one such instance, an indictment accepted on August 29 by an Ankara court accuses Kilicdaroglu of endorsing the release of Selahattin Demirtas, former co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). That case, which stems from comments made in interviews and public appearances, seeks a prison sentence of up to three-and-a-half years.