Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu warned of arrest warrant in Turkish court

A Turkish court has issued a warning to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, stating he must appear at his next hearing or face an arrest warrant. The case, heard at the Ankara 11th High Criminal Court, involves allegations of “chainwise praising of a crime and its perpetrator” based on social media posts and speeches made between 2016 and 2019.

The indictment follows complaints from MHP Vice Presidents Feti Yıldız, İzzet Ulvi Yönter, and İsmail Faruk Aksu. Prosecutors allege that Kılıçdaroğlu praised members of the FETÖ and PKK terrorist organizations and made statements regarding Selahattin Demirtaş that constitute criminal praise. Specifically, the indictment cites a 2014 statement where Kılıçdaroğlu reportedly described the YPG as an organization formed to save its own homeland rather than a terrorist group.

Kılıçdaroğlu’s lawyer, Uğur Çelik, attended the hearing and argued that the statements in question constitute political criticism rather than criminal activity, requesting an immediate acquittal. However, the presiding judge noted that the hearing had been postponed five times and emphasized that Kılıçdaroğlu must appear like any other citizen. The court has adjourned the case until November 19, ruling that Kılıçdaroğlu must be present in person at the next session, failing which a warrant for forced appearance or arrest will be issued.