CHP's Başarır speaks out on immunity, party infighting

CHP Mersin Deputy Ali Mahir Başarır visited the İzmir provincial office, meeting with party members alongside former provincial chair Çağatay Güç, who was recently removed from his post. Başarır criticized the appointment of a new provincial chair, describing the individual as being installed by "dealers" and arriving "like a bat at 3 AM" to take over the office. He expressed shame and sorrow over the situation, asserting that İzmir deserves better and that the elected leadership, which he trusts, will ultimately prevail.

Başarır, who has been referred to disciplinary proceedings himself, shared his experiences traveling across Anatolia after being temporarily removed from parliamentary sessions. He suggested that party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's decision to distance him from parliament had the unintended effect of allowing him to connect more broadly with the populace. "We can go out on the streets, we can face the people," Başarır stated, contrasting this with those who cannot face the public and urging them to end the "disgrace."

Addressing rumors of potential parliamentary immunity removal for some deputies, Başarır acknowledged that he is among those considered for such action. However, he expressed no fear, especially given the current political climate of repression and arrests in the country. "We are not in a position to be afraid of this," he said, framing it as a "relay race" where others will continue the struggle if one is detained. He indicated that some individuals strongly desire this outcome but that he is not overly concerned, focusing instead on his work and path forward.

Başarır also strongly condemned the manner in which the provincial party headquarters was taken over. He described the event as "shameless" and stated that individuals who have held leadership positions and served as mayors should not act "like the mafia." He criticized the intruders for entering the building in the middle of the night and allegedly assaulting a female party member. "But let him know this: one day, he will definitely answer for it," Başarır vowed.

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Kemal Bey'in tek faydalı bir işi şu oldu: Meclis'ten bir müddet uzaklaştım. Anadolu'nun her yerine gidebiliyorum. O bizim duracağımızı, bir odaya kapanacağımızı düşündü. Herhalde ev hapsi verdiğini düşündü. Ama çok daha fazla geziyoruz, dolaşıyoruz, konuşuyoruz. Biz sokağa çıkabiliyoruz. Milletle yüzleşebiliyoruz. Halkımızın, milletimizin gözünün içine bakabiliyoruz. Bakamayanlar utansın, utansın ki şu rezalete son versin.