Opposition Leader Kılıçdaroğlu under Investigation

The Silivri Public Chief Prosecution launched an investigation about Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Chairman of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The probe is based on an alleged "attempt to influence a fair trial" because of Kılıçdaroğlu's statements about the judges of the Ergenekon trial.

In an announcement made in front of the Silivri Prison on 10 November 2011, the opposition leader had compared the prison to a concentration camp. Related to the judge presiding over the Ergenekon trial, he expressed his difficulty in actually calling him a 'judge'.

Furthermore, Kılıçdaroğlu criticized the judiciary, questioned its independence and voiced criticism regarding the ruling political power.

Silivri Public Prosecutor Ali İşgören initiated an investigation on the grounds of the announcement. The police record was based on two articles: insult of court members and the attempt to influence a fair trial. Kılıçdaroğlu could face an indictment if his parliamentary immunity was lifted.

On Tuesday (10 January), Kılıçdaroğlu applied to the Presidency of the Parliament to lift his immunity. One day later, the entire group of CHP deputies in parliament, except two imprisoned deputies, submitted the same petition on their own behalf to parliament in protest to the investigation. (AS/NV)