Özgür Özel Fezleke Incident: Legal Process and Concept of Fezleke

The investigation file regarding the allegations about the determination of candidates for the 2024 local elections, concerning the New Party Chairman Özgür Özel and 5 other deputies, was sent to Ankara due to a decision of lack of jurisdiction. This development brought to the agenda the legal process that has been causing tense moments in politics. The period of determining the candidate for the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality before the 2024 local elections led to a comprehensive investigation by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office due to allegations of demanding money. An examination was conducted regarding Özgür Özel and the other deputies. The file included allegations that a demand for money occurred within the CHP General Center and that this process was coordinated in Ankara. The concept of fezleke, which is often wondered about in the legal system, is the official opinion document that summarizes all the evidence, statements, and technical data obtained as a result of an investigation. When it comes to deputies, the fezlekess prepared by the chief public prosecutor's offices constitute the first legal step to be presented to the TBMM and the Ministry of Justice for the removal of immunity or the progress of the investigation process. The process of lifting immunities is strictly regulated by Article 83 of the Constitution and Articles 131-134 of the TBMM Internal Regulation.