Türkiye’s main opposition’s leader debunks rumors on being shot, shares X-rays

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel has publicly addressed and debunked rumors he was shot, revealing X-ray images of his broken foot to confirm the injury was indeed accidental.

On Aug. 15, the CHP announced Ozel had injured his foot in an accident, which prevented him from attending a speech by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Turkish Parliament. However, rumors soon surfaced, suggesting that Ozel had been shot rather than injured in an accident.

‘Irrational, unethical campaign’

In an interview with Turkish publication Sozcu Daily’s Saygi Ozturk, Ozel addressed these rumors head-on, expressing his frustration with the unfounded claims.

“This was a household accident that could happen to anyone,” Ozel clarified. He went on to explain: “Yet, a group we all know very well launched an irrational and unethical campaign on social media, and various people got caught up in this false narrative.”

Ozel then shared his disbelief at how the rumors spread: “I was shocked to see how a lie spread by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) accounts, with whom we have historical enmity, was deliberately expanded and sustained.”

Despite attempts to clarify the situation, Ozel noted the rumors persisted. “Our party spokesperson made a statement, and I personally addressed it, but the claims persisted because those behind them have no concern for the truth; their sole aim is to harm us and our party.”

Ozel emphasized his focus on more important matters, stating: “Such agendas won’t deter us. Frankly, I consider it beneath me to even address these accusations. We are focused on our work, addressing the country’s problems and finding solutions. We continue our work openly and transparently.”

Ozel shares X-ray images

Meanwhile, Milliyet Daily columnist Ozay Sendir also weighed in on the issue, discussing the transparency Ozel demonstrated by sharing the X-ray images.

“The X-ray image you see on this page has been on my phone since last Friday,” Sendir reports, detailing his initial interaction with Ozel. “When I sent a message wishing Ozel a speedy recovery, I reminded him of the first conspiracy theory and asked if he wanted to say anything.”

“The CHP Chairman acted very transparently, first sending me these X-ray images. He mentioned the name of the hospital in Ankara where he was treated, stating that these X-ray records are already available in the system and that he wouldn’t bother refuting every absurd claim,” Sendir then described Ozel’s response.

‘Decided to publish images’

However, when the rumors escalated, Sendir felt compelled to publish the images: “because of the parliamentary brawl and forest fires, I didn’t use the images, thinking the issue had been settled.”

“However, when a second conspiracy theory circulated on Monday, alleging that Ozel had been shot in the legs, and thousands of messages were posted about it, I decided to publish the images,” he added.