Large Crowd Gathers for CHP Leader Özel's Bayram Greeting in Ankara

A significant crowd converged on Güvenpark in Ankara for an event hosted by the interim Republican People's Party (CHP) leader, Özgür Özel, for Bayram greetings. The gathering, organized by the CHP's Ankara Provincial Directorate, saw enthusiastic participation, with attendees chanting slogans such as "Free Future, Free Turkey."

The event was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM. CHP Ankara Deputy Umut Akdoğan urged listeners of Halk TV to leave their homes and join the gathering at Güvenpark. "I always used to ask people to turn on Halk TV at home. Now I say, whoever is listening in Ankara, please turn off Halk TV, take off your pajamas, put down your remote, and come to Güvenpark," Akdoğan stated.

Amidst the preparations, a notable police presence was observed at Güvenpark. Speculation arose concerning potential attempts to obstruct Özel's gathering. Allegations surfaced that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's faction, which was recently appointed to the CHP leadership by a court decision, sought to prevent the event. However, Kılıçdaroğlu's advisor, Atakan Sönmez, denied these claims.

Despite the denials, CHP Deputy Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu drew attention to correspondence between the Ankara Governorship and the CHP General Headquarters regarding the Bayram greeting. Tanrıkulu argued that the response provided by the General Headquarters to the Governorship implied approval for the prohibition of the Bayram greeting organized by the Ankara Provincial Organization. Media outlets close to the government also suggested that police would intervene if Özel's Bayram greeting transformed into a rally.

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I always used to ask people to turn on Halk TV at home. Now I say, whoever is listening in Ankara, please turn off Halk TV, take off your pajamas, put down your remote, and come to Güvenpark.