Leader of Zafer Party detained while dining in a restaurant in Ankara

Prof. Dr. Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the Zafer Party, was recently detained in Ankara while dining at a restaurant on Iran Street. He is being taken to Istanbul for questioning. This development was reported live by İpek Özbey on Sözcü Television’s Nokta Atışı program.

The investigation was initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office after Ümit Özdağ made comments about President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a meeting with his party’s provincial leaders. These comments led to accusations of insulting the President.

In his initial statement on social media, Özdağ clarified that the controversial remarks were made during the Zafer Party’s 4th Provincial Leaders’ Workshop in Antalya. He pointed out that while the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office did not launch an investigation, the Istanbul authorities did.

Özdağ declared his readiness to repeat his speech “1000 times,” emphasizing his commitment to Atatürk and the Republic, and his determination to respond to attacks against them. He boldly stated, “Whether you send me to prison or execute me, we will never compromise from Atatürk and the Republic.”