Turkish Opposition Leader Arrested Over Alleged Insults and Incitement

Ümit Özdag, leader of the ultranationalist Zafer Party, faces charges of defaming President Erdogan and inciting hatred through social media posts.

Ümit Özdag, leader of Turkey's ultraright Zafer Party, was arrested in Ankara on accusations of insulting President Erdogan during a party speech.
Shortly after his detention, a separate arrest warrant was issued against Özdag for alleged incitement of hatred via posts on the social media platform X.
In a controversial statement, Özdag reportedly claimed Erdogan and his AKP party caused more harm to Turkey than historical crusades, sparking government criticism.
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures, with opposition leaders labeling it a blow to democracy and judicial independence.
The Turkish prosecutor's office in Istanbul has taken over the investigation, intensifying scrutiny of political dissent under Erdogan's administration.