Turkish prosecutors seek immunity lift for Özel and Ağbaba over bribery claims

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared reports requesting the lifting of parliamentary immunity for Yeni Parti leader and Manisa deputy Özgür Özel and Malatya deputy Veli Ağbaba, citing allegations of "aggravated bribery." The reports have been sent to the Ministry of Justice. The prosecutor's office alleges Özel used his influence to secure benefits from Antalya mayoral candidate Muhittin Böcek and his son, as well as from Uşak Mayor Özkan Yalım, in exchange for political favors. Ağbaba is accused of obtaining financial benefits on Özel's instructions from Böcek's son and from municipal council members in İzmir. Özel previously stated in a May interview that he has 55 immunity files against him. As of April 26, the parliamentary joint commission holds 1,052 immunity files concerning 145 deputies, with CHP members accounting for 325 of those files.