Turkish Parliament responds to ex-Interior Minister’s immunity lift request
A funeral ceremony was held at Zeytinburnu Merkez Efendi Mosque for Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat's father Şevki Bolat, who passed away. AK Party Istanbul MP and former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu also attended the funeral ceremony, Istanbul, Türkiye, February 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
Former Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, now the Chair of the Interior Committee and a ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) MP for Istanbul, took the unusual step of submitting a petition to the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, seeking the removal of his parliamentary immunity.
‘I have been subjected to defamation’
In his petition, Soylu reflected on his four-decade-long political career, acknowledging that it has been marked by persistent defamation and slander campaigns.
“I have been actively involved in politics for 40 years and have been subjected to defamation and slander throughout my career,” he stated.
Soylu further noted that allegations and accusations are not uncommon for politicians and political institutions, emphasizing his willingness to confront such challenges head-on. “Politicians and political institutions often face allegations and accusations, and I am ready to face these challenges openly,” he remarked.
Turkish Parliament responds
A response to Soylu’s request from the parliamentary presidency was issued, signed by Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. The response clarified the procedural limitations regarding such requests: “Procedures regarding the lifting of parliamentary immunity are carried out following the Constitution and the Internal Regulations mentioned above. Furthermore, our office has not received any formal motion concerning you. In light of this, our office cannot undertake any action regarding your request.”
