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Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel has alleged that the recent physical assault against him was meticulously planned and possibly orchestrated with the involvement of security officials, raising serious questions about political safety and the targeting of opposition figures in Türkiye.
The main opposition party CHP's chairman was attacked Sunday, immediately following a memorial service for Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party)'s Istanbul deputy and Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Sirri Sureyya Onder at Istanbul's Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM).
In an extensive interview on Halk TV, Ozel directly questioned the actions of an Istanbul deputy police chief, whom he believes may have deliberately created conditions that facilitated the attack.
"There is one person I view with suspicion: that deputy police chief who forced us to exit that way," Ozel stated, identifying the official as Murat Ozbek. "Why wouldn't he let the vehicle in? Every parliamentarian's vehicle can enter the parking garage of any official institution. I've been a member of parliament for 13 years, and there isn't a parking garage I haven't been able to enter."
The CHP leader described how his security team informed him they were being redirected from using the parking garage exit while noting that officials from the ruling AK Party were permitted access to the same facility.
"Our team said, 'They won't let our vehicle into the parking garage; we'll exit through the door we entered.' I said, 'Why wouldn't they let us in?' The deputy police chief was yelling at our security team and preventing us from entering the parking garage," Ozel recounted, adding that the same official also confronted his driver, who questioned why AK Party officials were granted different treatment.
Ozel provided detailed observations of his attacker's suspicious behavior and positioning before the assault, suggesting significant premeditation.
"The man was there two hours ahead of time. He was there while I was speaking into the microphones," Ozel explained. "He had planned it. He was listening to me with hostility, giving me nasty looks. He had made preparations, stretching his arms and hands as if warming up for a competition".
The opposition leader described the precise mechanics of the attack, which he believes indicates calculated intent rather than a spontaneous action. "The attacker was waiting right there," said Ozel. "His face was toward me. He turns as if making way and leans to the right like he's about to swing a golf club. He comes quickly, trying to hit me. I saw him coming and reflexively pulled my head back."
Following the assault, images of the attacker, identified as Selcuk Tengioglu, surfaced from before the incident, which authorities are now examining.
Ozel dismissed suggestions that the attack was carried out by a lone actor, stating, "Looking at this person, such thinking, such planning—it's impossible. He was definitely directed by someone."
The CHP chairman interpreted the attack as part of a broader attempt to intimidate and silence opposition forces in Türkiye, particularly noting the timing following recent political developments.
"This was instigated. Someone is sending a message to me, to CHP, and to the opposition saying, Watch your step'," Ozel stated firmly. He drew particular attention to the attacker's statement about being "angered by calls for street protests," suggesting this revealed a coordinated effort to discourage public demonstrations by opposition groups.
"This is how you read this letter: 'Stay off the streets, don't hold rallies, reconsider your opposition approach and the steps you're taking, or else...' They added an ellipsis," Ozel explained, characterizing the assault as an "instigation" rather than a random incident.
"I'm not accusing any institution or any party. But it's very clear this was planned," he added, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
In response to the attack, the General Directorate of Security has assigned inspectors to investigate potential security lapses in Ozel's protection detail, though the opposition leader has taken personal responsibility for certain aspects of his security arrangements.
"That failure is mine," he explained. "The large bodyguards who walk ahead of me, watching everyone carefully, can be misinterpreted, especially at funerals, mourning events, or when interacting with members of other parties. That's why I said, 'Don't let this one walk in front.' Whatever security gap appeared was due to my instructions."
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly telephoned Ozel following the incident, saying, "I hope you're well; we were saddened. My colleagues will do everything necessary." Ozel acknowledged that the Interior Minister had previously provided information about the investigation.
The CHP leader also addressed Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahçeli's statement that condemned the attack without specifically naming Ozel, describing it as lacking "political courtesy."
"It would have been better if he hadn't made any statement at all. Not mentioning the name of the person you're wishing well, the leader of Türkiye's founding party—that tone is not consistent with political courtesy," Ozel remarked.
Following the assault, Ozel shared a social media post with the message "Do not fear," while CHP officials have announced they will conduct their own investigation into the incident, stating, "CHP will not let this matter rest."
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