During yesterday's MYK meeting at the CHP headquarters, the physical attack on Özgür Özel was a major issue. According to reports, CHP officials said: "We cannot deny that this government creates an environment that enables such attacks". The party is now demanding answers to five critical questions about the incident.

"Whenever the CHP gains momentum, its leader is attacked"

As reported by Cumhuriyet's Sarp Sağkal, MYK members noted that since the arrest of CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, the party has gained momentum through rallies and protests. They remarked: "Whenever the CHP gains momentum, its leader is attacked. Society is deliberately provoked and people are polarised". While the government was not directly accused of orchestrating the attack, it was emphasised that its rhetoric and policies create fertile ground for such attacks.

MYK members acknowledged that President Erdoğan's "get well soon" call to Özel was significant, but they criticised MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement for maintaining a divisive tone. "We are facing a ruling bloc - especially the MHP - that relies on polarisation for its political survival. We will not give in to this rhetoric," they said.

"Could be a message about the peace process"

MYK members suggested that the timing of the attack - during the funeral of HDP deputy and İmralı delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder - could not be a coincidence. "This could also be a move against the unspoken peace process. Our leader supported the process but drew clear red lines. He demanded transparency and sincerity and warned that the issue should not be turned into a constitutional bargaining chip over Erdoğan's candidacy alone. This stance resonated with the public. The location and timing of the attack may be related to this position.

Unanswered questions

MYK members insisted that the attack would not disrupt their agenda: "Our leader does not want the incident to escalate. He will continue with his schedule as planned. We will continue without slowing down or resorting to ugly rhetoric".

However, the CHP leadership is closely following the investigation and insists on answers to the following questions:

1. Why was the attacker not handed over to the Organised Crime Department?
2. How could someone who applied for a food ration card afford to stay in a luxury apartment hotel?
3. Will the investigation be deepened or will it be dismissed as an unplanned, isolated incident?
4. How could such a security lapse occur at a funeral attended by numerous politicians?
5. Why was Özgür Özel's car not allowed to enter the car park?

The CHP is determined to uncover the truth behind the attack while maintaining its political momentum.