Investigation against former CHP MP over his remarks about veiled judges

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an ex officio investigation against former minister and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) former MP Fikri Sağlar.

In a written statement released by the prosecutor's office, it has been announced that Fikri Sağlar is now investigated on charge of "inciting the public to enmity and hatred or degrading the public."

The statement of the office has indicated that Fikri Sağlar, on a television programme on December 30, said, "When I stand before a judge in hijab (turban, veil), I doubt that she will defend justice. Some of them act in a militant and ideological manner. A struggle must be waged against this."

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has further stated that an ex officio investigation has been launched against Sağlar over these remarks on charge of "inciting the public to enmity and hatred or degrading the public as per the Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

What happened?

Former MP and former Minister Fikri Sağlar attended a program on pro-opposition Halk TV channel on December 30 and said, "I doubt that she will serve justice when I stand before a veiled judge."

After President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slammed these remarks by saying that "the fascist mindset was still in effect", Sağlar also responded to Erdoğan.

Indicating that a lynch campaign was being carried out against him, Sağlar said, "This campaign has once again shown that the AKP has been using dark propaganda and hate language as a conscious preference against the people and segments of the society who do not think or live like it." (AÖ/SD)