Turkish main opposition youth leader detained for insulting public official

Cem Aydin, the president of the youth branch of Türkiye’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP ) has been detained and brought to the Caglayan Courthouse in Istanbul.

His detention is reportedly linked to a tweet he posted about Akin Gurlek, the Istanbul chief public prosecutor. Aydin is facing charges of “insulting a public official” and “targeting individuals involved in the fight against terrorism.”

This incident follows a previous case in which CHP leader Ozgur Ozel was investigated for allegedly insulting Akin Gurlek and targeting those involved in Türkiye’s fight against terrorism. In that case, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the launch of an investigation into Ozel on charges of “insulting a public official” and “targeting individuals involved in anti-terror operations.”

Background on Cem Aydin

Cem Aydin graduated in 2019 from Istanbul Arel University with a degree in International Relations and is currently continuing his studies at Anadolu University. He started his political career at 15 with CHP’s high school organization and later served as president of the CHP Beylikduzu Youth Branch for two terms.

Aydin is a graduate of the 2019 Bogazici European Politics School and is involved in several organizations, including the Ataturk Thought Association and the Contemporary Life Support Association.