Fazıl Say backs CHP leader Özgür Özel: 'CHP has a true leader'

Pianist and composer Fazıl Say has voiced strong support for Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party (CHP), following a court decision that led to the party headquarters being evacuated by police. Say took to social media to comment on the situation, describing the current legal and political climate as "unbelievable" and asserting that the events would be recorded as a "disgrace" in history.

In a post on his personal X account, Say specifically praised Özel's management of the difficult process after the court ruling against the CHP headquarters. He characterized Özel's actions as "heroic," noting Özel's statement, "We don't need a building, we need a struggle." Say declared that regardless of future outcomes, the CHP now has a "true leader."

"We are going through an unbelievable period. These events of today will go down in history as a disgrace. But let us not lose our hope. Our hopes are in our hearts… Bravo Özgür Özel," Say wrote. The pianist's public backing comes amidst a contentious period for the CHP, which has seen its leadership challenged through legal means.