Journalist Banu Güven: 'Kılıçdaroğlu's advisor wanted questions in advance'

Journalist Banu Güven has refuted claims made by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the CHP leader appointed to his position by court order, regarding parliamentary immunity. Kılıçdaroğlu had previously stated that his remarks on the issue were being misrepresented with false information.

Kılıçdaroğlu had responded to a reminder that "the last time you did this, Selahattin Demirtaş was arrested" by saying, "Selahattin Bey already had a majority, there was a terrorism charge against him." When reminded that Kılıçdaroğlu voted to lift all immunities, he confirmed, "Yes, we did," and stated he did not regret it.

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It is not true. While waiting for the interview during the Justice March, which started after the arrest of CHP MP Enis Berberoğlu, Kılıçdaroğlu's advisor at the time requested the questions in advance. I didn't give them, of course, and I asked why they wanted them. I was asked not to ask a question about Demirtaş.

Güven countered Kılıçdaroğlu's narrative by revealing an interaction during the Justice March, which began after the arrest of CHP lawmaker Enis Berberoğlu. She stated that Kılıçdaroğlu's advisor at the time requested the interview questions in advance. Güven refused and inquired about the reason for the request, which she claims was to prevent her from asking about Demirtaş.

Following a question from Barış Yarkadaş asking "Who requested it?", Güven identified Kılıçdaroğlu. She cited his 2016 statements explaining his vote to lift immunities, where he reportedly said, "If we say no, they will say, 'Wow, look, didn't we tell you, they are supporting the HDP people'." Güven suggested Kılıçdaroğlu's actions were aimed at avoiding such accusations.

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The answer to the question 'Who requested it': In light of the available data, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who stated in 2016 why he was in favor of lifting immunities, 'If we say no, they will say, 'Wow, look, didn't we tell you, they are supporting the HDP people'.