Former AKP deputy Burhan Kuzu dies of COVID-19 at 65

Former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Prof. Burhan Kuzu died on Nov. 1 of COVID-19 at the age of 65. Kuzu in March had downplayed the impact of the virus, saying that it's nothing more than an exaggeration of social media. He had also praised Turkey's efforts in curbing the spread of the virus in April, as he slammed the opposition for urging the government to act more.

Duvar English

Former ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Prof. Burhan Kuzu died on Nov. 1 of COVID-19 at the age of 65.

Kuzu, who was the former head of parliament's Constitution Commission, was receiving treatment at a hospital in Istanbul.

Being one of the founders of the AKP, Kuzu was a deputy for three consecutive terms.

He was also a member of the AKP's Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).

Government officials released messages of condolences following Kuzu's death, while also wishing a swift recovery for all COVID-19 patients.

Kuzu in March had downplayed the impact of the virus, saying that it's nothing more than an exaggeration of social media.

He had also praised Turkey's efforts in curbing the spread of the virus in April, as he slammed the opposition for urging the government to act more.

Kuzu has always been a controversial figure in Turkish politics. In addition to him being one of the architects of the country's current executive presidential system, his links to an Iranian drug lord were being investigated.

He was on trial on charges of interfering in the judicial process to secure the release of Iranian drug lord Naji Sharifi Zindashti. Prosecutors were seeking up to five years in jail.

Kuzu (C) had initially denied having ever met Zindashti (L), but later, a photo of him together with the drug lord emerged.

Kuzu was the subject of another probe on allegations of preventing the release of Zindashti's enemy, Orhan Ünğan, from prison via pressuring the judges.

Second probe launched into former AKP MP over trying to prevent release of Iranian drug lord's enemySecond probe launched into former AKP MP over trying to prevent release of Iranian drug lord's enemy