Overview

• 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.