Ümit Özdağ requested for penalty in late-breaking Turkey news
The Chairman of the Victory Party, Umit Ozdag, is facing an indictment with a request for a prison sentence ranging from 1 year to 4 years and 8 months for the charge of “public insult to the President.” The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, includes President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as the complainant and Umit Ozdag as the suspect.
The indictment stems from statements made by Ozdag at a consultation meeting of the provincial presidents of his party on January 19, where he was accused of insulting the President. Permission to prosecute Ozdag for this crime was granted by the Ministry of Justice.
Additionally, the indictment also includes charges of “provocation of hatred and hostility,” with an ongoing investigation into this crime. Ozdag’s statements about President Erdogan were deemed to have tarnished the President’s honor, reputation, and dignity, leading to the charge of public insult.
As a result of the indictment, Umit Ozdag is facing a potential sentence of 1 year to 4 years and 8 months imprisonment for the crime of public insult to the President. Furthermore, under Article 53 of the Turkish Penal Code, Ozdag may be deprived of holding any public office or employment if convicted of the crime.
The indictment has been forwarded to the Criminal Court of First Instance for further evaluation and proceedings.
