ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities have arrested Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the far-right Victory Party (Zafer Party), on charges of inciting violence and hatred through his anti-refugee rhetoric posted on social media.
The arrest, which occurred on Tuesday, has stirred controversy and raised questions about the government’s motives, with critics accusing it of politically driven actions.
Özdağ, 63, is a vocal critic of Turkey’s refugee policies and has repeatedly called for the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees currently living in the country. His arrest followed a speech he delivered the previous day, in which he allegedly insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
While initially detained over charges of insulting the president, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s office released him from custody on those charges. However, Özdağ was later re-arrested based on accusations of “inciting hatred and hostility among the public.”
The case against Özdağ centers around 11 posts he made on the social media platform X, which prosecutors argue contributed to fostering public hostility, particularly towards Syrian refugees. These posts were presented as evidence of his role in stoking tensions and fueling anti-refugee sentiments.
Özdağ is also held responsible for inciting anti-Syrian riots in the central Turkish province of Kayseri last year, where attacks on homes and businesses reportedly targeted Syrian refugees. The riots were allegedly sparked by Özdağ’s inflammatory rhetoric about the refugee population.
The far-right politician’s arrest has triggered widespread political debate. Ekrem İmamoğlu, the popular mayor of Istanbul and a member of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), criticized the move as a form of “political meddling in the judiciary.” İmamoğlu himself faces a potential ban from politics if his conviction for insulting electoral board members is upheld, adding a layer of irony to his comments on Özdağ’s arrest.
Following the arrest, Özdağ was transferred to Silivri prison, located on the outskirts of Istanbul. Mehmet Ali Sehirlioglu, the spokesperson for the Victory Party, will assume temporary leadership of the party during Özdağ’s detention.
Özdağ’s anti-immigrant stance, particularly his calls for the repatriation of Syrian refugees, has garnered significant attention in Turkey, especially as tensions surrounding the country’s refugee population continue to rise.
Turkey has long hosted millions of Syrians fleeing the ongoing civil war in their home country, and Özdağ’s inflammatory statements have struck a chord with nationalist factions within Turkish society. However, his rhetoric has also contributed to deepening divisions, both within the political landscape and among the broader public.
The timing of Özdağ’s arrest is particularly significant as Turkey approaches its national elections. President Erdoğan’s government faces mounting opposition from both domestic critics and international observers, and Özdağ’s arrest is likely to add fuel to the already heated political atmosphere.
Critics argue that the arrest could further polarize the country, particularly as debates over Turkey’s refugee policies and national identity intensify in the lead-up to the elections. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future and the freedom of expression, as well as the role of social media in shaping public discourse.
