Turkish main opposition CHP chair faces lifting of immunity over charges from 8 years ago

The latest summary of proceedings that was prepared against main opposition CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu and brought to the parliament includes a lawsuit over his 2014-dated speech.

Serkan Alan / DUVAR

Turkey's parliament (TBMM) has received 65 summaries of proceedings seeking to have legislative immunity lifted of 34 lawmakers, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

The summary of proceedings against Kılıçdaroğlu was prepared within the scope of the lawsuit filed over the charge of "violation of confidentiality” due to his 2014-dated speech.

During his party’s parliamentary group meeting on Feb. 11, 2014, Kılıçdaroğlu said that business people close to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) poured money into the pro-government media outlets and helped with the takeover of daily Sabah and broadcaster ATV. He even played tape recordings proving his claim. 

An investigation was launched against Kılıçdaroğlu, which a court decided not to prosecute in April 2014. An Ankara court then annulled this decision upon the objection of the then-PM Erdoğan and the investigation was launched again, accusing the CHP leader of "violation of confidentiality."

Eight years after the launch of the case, the charges resurfaced with prosecutors filing a summary of proceedings against Kılıçdaroğlu to the parliament to have his immunity lifted. 

There have been a total of 24 summaries of proceedings against Kılıçdaroğlu during his deputyship, 18 of which were issued on the grounds of “insulting” the President.

(English version by Alperen Şen)

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Topics summary of proceedings Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu Turkish Parliament parliamentary immunity 2013 corruption investigation