Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the 7th leader of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), appeared before the Ankara 57th Criminal Court of First Instance on Nov. 22 to defend himself against allegations of "publicly insulting a public official" over statements made during a 2014 local election campaign. The hearing, marked by overcrowding and heavy police presence, raised concerns over violations of the right to a fair trial.
Overcrowding and tight security
The trial drew significant attention, with CHP officials, opposition party leaders, and other prominent figures—including Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Memleket Party leader Muharrem İnce—attending in solidarity. Outside the courthouse, supporters chanted “Justice, rights, law” as police implemented tight security measures, causing congestion around the venue.
Inside the court, the small size of the hearing room caused further issues. Many lawyers, journalists, and observers were unable to enter, leading to criticism of the trial arrangements. Despite appeals from lawyers to move the hearing to a larger venue, the court denied the request.
Amid the chaos, police used megaphones to manage the crowd, and Kılıçdaroğlu struggled to enter the courtroom.
‘I’m here for calling a thief a thief’
In his hour-long defense, Kılıçdaroğlu stood by his criticisms of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, citing the 17-25 December corruption investigations as the basis of his remarks.
“I am not here because of charges like bribery or treason. I am here because I called a thief a thief. I do not regret speaking the truth. I could not stay silent when someone asked their son, ‘Have you zeroed the money at home?’” he said, referring to leaked tapes from the corruption probes.
Kılıçdaroğlu also condemned economic mismanagement, corruption, and centralization of power, arguing these trends posed risks to Turkey’s future. He criticized the U.S.-backed Greater Middle East Project as a threat to Turkey’s sovereignty.
Case background
The charges stem from a March 9, 2014, speech in Erdemli, where Kılıçdaroğlu referenced leaked recordings from the corruption investigations. Prosecutors deemed his remarks insulting to Erdoğan, then serving as prime minister.
The indictment, accepted in 2016, accuses Kılıçdaroğlu of “publicly insulting a public official due to their duties” and seeks a prison sentence. It also requests that, if convicted, Kılıçdaroğlu be barred from political activities and public office under Article 53/1 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Trial followed closely by rights groups
The hearing was monitored by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and other organizations concerned about press freedom and political persecution in Turkey. Observers criticized the court’s failure to ensure adequate facilities for the high-profile trial, citing the overcrowding as another example of the justice system’s deficiencies.
The case continues as Kılıçdaroğlu remains defiant in the face of legal challenges stemming from his outspoken criticism of the government.
