Ümit Özdağ, leader of Turkey’s anti-immigration Victory Party (Zafer Partisi), has been detained in Ankara on allegations of “insulting the president” and “inciting hatred.” The detention follows remarks Özdağ made during a party meeting on January 19, which prosecutors claim violated Turkish laws. Özdağ has since been transferred to Istanbul for further legal proceedings.
The Victory Party, a nationalist and opposition party known for its strong stance against immigration, has been a vocal critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government and policies. Özdağ has frequently accused Erdoğan’s administration of mismanagement and undermining Turkey’s secular foundations.
Özdağ was detained last night (Jan 20th.) over alleged remarks deemed insulting to the president and inciting hatred—A crime in Turkey punishable by 1 to 4 years in prison and has seen the prosecution of over 160 thousand people between 2014 and 2020. Özdağ’s detention is the latest in a string of arrests targeting opposition figures and mayors in recent weeks, though the circumstances surrounding his case are distinct. The investigation is tied to comments Özdağ made during a January 19 meeting with his party’s provincial leaders. -Turkish opposition leader detained
What did Ümit Özdağ say?
The Victory Party leader claimed that the proportion of deists and atheists in Turkey had surpassed 16% during the AKP era, attributing this rise to the policies of Erdoğan’s government. He accused Erdoğan of responsibility for allowing the Gülen Movement (FETÖ) to infiltrate state institutions. FETÖ is widely considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and is blamed for orchestrating the failed 2016 coup attempt. Özdağ further accused Erdoğan of attacking the Turkish nation’s faith, culture, and history, claiming he had “learned history from a madman with a fez.” He went on to state that the damage caused under the AKP was greater than the impact of the Crusades over the last millennium. -Turkish opposition leader detained
Özdağ’s reaction to the investigation: “imprison me or execute me”
Reacting to the investigation on social media, Özdağ declared that he stood by his statements. “I am ready to give this speech a thousand more times,” he wrote, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. “Imprison me or execute me[If you want]. We will never compromise on Atatürk and the Republic,” he added. He also criticized the handling of the investigation, arguing that it should have been initiated in Antalya, where his speech took place, rather than in Istanbul.
The “one-party fascism” debate
The controversy was sparked by President Erdoğan’s remarks in Mersin, where he criticized the early years of the Turkish Republic, describing the 1923–1950 single-party era as “fascism” that harmed the nation’s faith, culture, and history. Özdağ rejected these claims, defending Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Republic’s founder, and his associates as protectors of Turkish values. He argued that real oppression had occurred under Erdoğan’s AKP government. Özdağ vowed that the Victory Party would lead a more vigorous fight against what he described as the government’s failures. He also criticized other opposition parties for their muted responses to Erdoğan’s comments.
Opposition and public reactions
Opposition leaders from across the political spectrum condemned Özdağ’s detention, accusing the government of misusing the judiciary to suppress dissent. İYİ Party leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu and CHP leader Özgür Özel voiced their solidarity, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression in a democratic society. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu remarked, “Political conflicts should be resolved at the ballot box, not through the judiciary.”
- Istanbul mayor under investigation by prosecutors office
- Co-Mayors from pro-Kurdish party detained and replaced in Mersin’s Akdeniz district
- Istanbul district mayor detained in corruption investigation
The Victory Party’s official social media account also issued a strong statement of support, declaring, “We stand for the interests of the Turkish nation and will not be silenced.”
Background on the Victory Party
Founded in 2021, the Victory Party has positioned itself as a staunchly nationalist and anti-immigration force within Turkish politics. The party has been a prominent critic of Erdoğan’s government, particularly for its open-door policy toward refugees, including millions of Syrians who fled the ongoing civil war. Özdağ has consistently called for the repatriation of refugees, arguing that their presence strains Turkey’s economy and disrupts social cohesion. While the Victory Party strongly opposes Erdoğan and his AKP government, Özdağ has also leveled harsh criticism at other opposition parties, often matching the intensity of his attacks on the ruling government.
Medyascope Turkey News
Medyascope'un günlük e-bülteni
Andaç'a abone olun
Editörlerimizin derlediği öngörüler, analizler, Türkiye’yi ve dünyayı şekillendiren haberler, Medyascope’un e-bülteni Andaç‘la her gün mail kutunuzda.
