Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that a summary proceeding has been prepared requesting the removal of parliamentary immunities for New Party General Chairman Özgür Özel and New Party Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba as part of an ongoing investigation into the crime of “consecutive bribery,” according to an official statement.
According to the statement issued by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Özel abused his influence and authority to ensure that Muhittin Böcek was nominated as the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality mayoral candidate for the March 31, 2024, Local Administrations General Elections. The prosecution stated that Özel obtained material benefits on various dates directly or through Ağbaba from Muhittin Böcek and his son Mustafa Gökhan Böcek.
Allegations Involving Party Congress and Municipal Bids
The prosecutor’s announcement emphasized that Özel also obtained financial benefits on various dates from dismissed Uşak Mayor Özkan Yalım. These funds were reportedly acquired to be used during the CHP 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023. Additionally, the statement recorded that Ağbaba obtained varying amounts of benefits from Muhittin Böcek and Mustafa Gökhan Böcek for the mayoral candidacy, acting under Özel’s instructions.
The investigation details further claim that Ağbaba used his influence over the Mayor of Çankaya to insist that a scheduled solid waste collection tender be awarded to his preferred company via a negotiation method contrary to the contract specifications, thereby securing benefits. Furthermore, the prosecutor’s office stated that Ağbaba obtained financial benefits from municipalities and council members in and around İzmir to be used in local elections.
Did You Know? The investigation involves specific allegations regarding the March 31, 2024, Local Administrations General Elections and the CHP 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023.
Legal Process and Ministry Referral
Following the completion of the investigation into the charges of “consecutive bribery,” the prepared summaries requesting the lifting of legislative immunities for both Özel and Ağbaba were transmitted to the Ministry of Justice. This referral marks the formal administrative step required before legislative bodies can evaluate the removal of immunity for sitting lawmakers.
Expert Insight: In Turkish constitutional law, the preparation of a fezleke (summary proceeding) and its submission to the Ministry of Justice represents a critical threshold in the legal scrutiny of parliamentarians. While immunity protects lawmakers from immediate prosecution during their term, the parliamentary committee process evaluates these specific requests to decide whether the judicial path will open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific crime are Özgür Özel and Veli Ağbaba accused of?
According to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, they are investigated for the crime of “consecutive bribery.”
Where was the summary proceeding sent after its preparation?
The fezleke was sent to the Ministry of Justice with the request to lift the parliamentary immunities of both individuals.
Which elections and events are referenced in the official statement?
The statement cites the March 31, 2024, Local Administrations General Elections and the CHP 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4-5, 2023.
How do you view the legal implications of these immunity removal requests on current political developments?
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