Kılıçdaroğlu's past remarks on FETÖ-linked figures resurface amid criticism

Former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's recent media appearances have brought renewed scrutiny to his past statements, particularly those concerning individuals accused of links to the Gülen movement, or FETÖ. During a live broadcast on Sözcü TV, Kılıçdaroğlu was pressed by journalists about his earlier remarks, including an "implication of FETÖ" made on June 11, and his past association with former advisors now accused of ties to the organization.

When questioned about his past defense of figures like Ekrem Dumanlı, the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Zaman newspaper, and Hidayet Karaca, former head of Samanyolu Yayın Grubu, Kılıçdaroğlu responded by stating they were not banned at the time and had media platforms. He also mentioned Ekrem İmamoğlu's past appearances on television, suggesting no criticism was leveled then.

This line of questioning evoked memories of İmamoğlu's appearances on Samanyolu TV in 2011, during the 'July 3 match-fixing conspiracy' investigation linked to FETÖ. At the time, İmamoğlu had defended his participation by stating he was representing Trabzonspor and not acting as a professional commentator.

The article highlights Kılıçdaroğlu's strong reaction in December 2014 to operations targeting FETÖ-linked media. As CHP Chairman, he condemned the detentions of journalists and raids on media outlets, stating, "The process that occurred is a coup process. The identity or address of the oppressed is not asked. The oppressed is always, always oppressed. We will always stand by the oppressed." This stance contrasted sharply with current criticisms, especially given Dumanlı's subsequent praise for Kılıçdaroğlu's 2021 pledge to reinstate those dismissed via decree-laws.

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Yaşanan süreç bir darbe sürecidir. Mazlumun kimliği, adresi sorulmaz. Mazlum her zaman, her daim mazlumdur. Biz her zaman mazlumun yanında olacağız. Bunu da herkesin bilmesini isterim. Sabahın köründe gazetecilerin gözaltına alınması, gazetelere baskın yapılması, televizyon kanallarına baskın yapılması kabul edeceğimiz bir uygulama değildir.