Prosecutors Seek to Lift Immunity of Turkish Opposition Leader Özgür Özel in Bribery Probe

Turkish prosecutors have asked for the parliamentary immunity of New Party leader Özgür Özel and lawmaker Veli Ağbaba to be lifted in connection with an aggravated bribery investigation. Prosecutors say Özel and Ağbaba accepted bribes linked to events involving Özel’s rise within the CHP, including the 2023 party congress and the 2024 local elections. Prosecutors allege specific benefit exchanges involving mayors, with Ağbaba acting as an intermediary. Parliament must vote to approve any prosecutions.