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President Erdogan sues Turkish main opposition leader Ozgur Ozel for $37K

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leaves after his meeting with leader of the main opposition party CHP, Ozgur Ozel in Ankara, Tükiye on June 11, 2024. (AA Photo)
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leaves after his meeting with leader of the main opposition party CHP, Ozgur Ozel in Ankara, Tükiye on June 11, 2024. (AA Photo)
August 14, 2025 02:57 PM GMT+03:00

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has filed a ₺1 million ($37,000) lawsuit for moral damages against the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Ozgur Ozel.

Ozel is also facing a criminal complaint at the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly insulting the president.

https://x.com/hsynaydn/status/1955952594884423929

Basis of lawsuit

The lawsuit stems from remarks Ozel made during a rally in Bayrampasa and a press statement outside Marmara Prison on Aug. 13.

Erdogan’s lawyer, Huseyin Aydin, said on X (formerly Twitter): "On August 13, 2025, during a rally in Bayrampasa and in a press statement outside Marmara Prison, CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel used inappropriate expressions and unfounded accusations targeting our president. A total of 1 million lira in moral damages has been filed at the Ankara Civil Court of First Instance. Additionally, a criminal complaint has been submitted to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for insulting the president."

Aug. 13 events


On Aug. 13, 2025, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel addressed supporters at a rally in Bayrampasa district of Istanbul. During this rally, Ozel made remarks that would later become the subject of legal action. The speech occurred against the backdrop of ongoing political demonstrations across Türkiye.

Later the same day, Ozel made a press statement outside Marmara Prison, continuing his criticism of the government. These remarks, combined with his rally speech, prompted President Erdogan's legal team to take action.

August 14, 2025 03:06 PM GMT+03:00
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