Turkey Launches Investigation into Opposition Leader Özgür Özel

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), is under investigation by Ankara's chief prosecutor for remarks made criticizing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the government's detention of CHP mayors on corruption charges. The charges against Özel include insulting the president, inciting criminal acts, and threatening public officials. His speech, which contained unusually harsh rhetoric, referenced mass protests and compared the political situation to the Arab Spring, warning Erdoğan of potential street demonstrations. This probe is part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures, including the high-profile arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Özel has faced multiple legal challenges recently, including lawsuits filed by Erdoğan and investigations into party leadership disputes and alleged threats against the judiciary. Observers note that these developments raise concerns about political stability and the rule of law in Turkey.