Prosecutors Seek to Lift Özgür Özel's Parliamentary Immunity
Ankara Prosecutors Seek to Lift Immunity of Opposition Leader
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has submitted a request to Türkiye's Ministry of Justice seeking the removal of parliamentary immunity from opposition leader Özgür Özel.
The request is part of an investigation into alleged bribery connected to the 2024 local elections.
The prosecutor's office has forwarded its legal opinion to the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for processing such requests before they reach parliament.
What Is the Investigation About?
According to prosecutors, the investigation concerns allegations that Özel received bribes related to the participation of several municipal leaders in the 2024 local elections.
The prosecutor's office believes there are sufficient grounds to request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity under Article 83 of the Turkish Constitution.
How Parliamentary Immunity Works in Türkiye
Under Article 83 of the Constitution, members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly cannot be detained, questioned, arrested or prosecuted while in office unless parliament votes to remove their immunity.
- The prosecutor's office submits a request.
- The Ministry of Justice reviews the file.
- The case is forwarded to parliament.
- Only parliament can decide whether immunity should be lifted.
The prosecutor's request does not automatically remove parliamentary immunity. A final decision must be made by the Turkish parliament.
Background
Özgür Özel currently leads the New Party, which was established on 24 July 2026 following his departure from the Republican People's Party.
This is not the first time Turkish prosecutors have sought to lift his parliamentary immunity. Previous requests were linked to separate investigations, including statements made by Özel about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that prosecutors considered potentially criminal.
At this stage, the case remains part of an ongoing legal process. No parliamentary decision has yet been made regarding the removal of Özel's immunity.
If parliament rejects the request, Özel will retain his constitutional immunity while serving as a member of parliament.
