CHP denies allegations of funding Workers' Party campaign

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A journalist has claimed that the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) provided 30 million Turkish liras (~1.1 million US dollars) to the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) for its election campaign.

In the article published on her own website yesterday, Bahar Feyzan wrote, "Did you know that before the elections, CHP gave 30 million liras to TİP? Everyone has their own capital in life. They start their journey with this capital, but it seems that the capital of those deceiving the people is always the same!"

In the May 14 elections, TİP secured 1.7% of the votes and, thanks to its alliance with the People's Democratic Party (HDP), won four seats in the parliament.

Regarding these allegations, CHP Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson Faik Öztrak stated to bianet, "There is no such thing. The legal process has already started."

TİP Press Office also issued a statement following the allegations. The statement announced that a criminal complaint will be filed against Feyzan for defamation.

"Our party's lawyers will file a criminal complaint against Bahar Feyzan for her baseless accusation that our party received 30 million TL from CHP during the election period. Both she and those who spread this false claim will face a lawsuit for non-material damages.

"TİP's central election budget is even lower than the budget of a district branch of mainstream parties. This lawsuit will not only dispel the false accusation about our election budget, which was formed solely with contributions from laborers, but will also reveal which 'journalists,' advertisers, or researchers have been enriched by the unnecessary expenditures of certain parties that have received public funds. (RT/VK)