'Paid figurant' scandal: New details emerge about young people in Kılıçdaroğlu's ceremony

Allegations have surfaced that a recent CHP membership event in Istanbul, attended by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, utilized paid actors and figurants sourced through casting agencies. A reporter from the newspaper BirGün reportedly infiltrated the event by posing as a figurant, claiming participants were paid 950 Turkish Lira to attend and chant slogans.

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I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. I am now 79 years old. Our government’s term still has one and a half years left. By then, I will be 81-82 years old. My health is not as robust as it used to be. It is no longer possible to work with the same enthusiasm as before.

One individual, who claimed to have participated via a casting agency, stated they did not support Kılıçdaroğlu and were coached on slogans before the event. Further scrutiny of images from the event revealed individuals who had previously appeared as audience members in television programs hosted by figures like Songül Karlı and Nihat Hatipoğlu. Videos of these individuals asking questions on those programs have circulated on social media.

BirGün's initial report suggested that numerous individuals were brought to the event through three different casting agencies. Participants were reportedly gathered near Trump Mall in Mecidiyeköy before being transported to the venue. The newspaper also stated that its reporter was informed of a 950 Lira payment for participation.

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Since the political field has become corrupted today, I will not contest in the 2028 assembly elections. However, remaining active in politics, I will continue to stand as a voice for the people’s hardships and joys.

Following the report, CHP officials vehemently denied the claims, asserting that the news was untrue and announcing their intention to pursue legal action. BirGün responded by reaffirming its commitment to its reporting and stating, "We stand behind our news until the end. We announce to the public that we will take legal action against the slanders targeting BirGün. Those who sit in seats they do not deserve cannot insult values that have been nurtured with sweat, labor, and sacrifice."

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By 2028, I will be 82 years old. That will mark the completion of 50 years in my political life. I began my political journey in 1978 as a taluk board member. I have seen both defeats and victories. But I take satisfaction in the fact that I have not acted against the principles I believed in, nor betrayed my conscience.