Turkish authorities have arrested Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the far-right Victory Party, on charges of inciting hatred and violence through anti-refugee posts on social media. The arrest, confirmed by the party on Tuesday, has sparked political controversy and accusations of judicial interference.

Özdağ, a 63-year-old politician known for his strong anti-immigration stance, was initially detained by police on January 20 as part of an investigation into allegations that he insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a recent speech. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office later released him on the defamation charges, but proceeded to order his arrest on accusations of inciting hatred and hostility among the public. Reportedly, Ozdag’s arrest concerned social media posts about Syrian refugees in Türkiye. 

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Özdağ condemned the arrest, stating that it was an attempt to silence dissent and suppress opposition voices. Özdağ further criticized the authorities and vowed to continue his political efforts despite the increasing pressure.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Turkey, with national elections approaching and growing public debate over the government’s refugee policies. Özdağ has been a vocal critic of Turkey’s long-standing policy of hosting millions of Syrian refugees, repeatedly calling for their repatriation. His rhetoric has resonated with nationalist segments of the population but has also led to increased polarization within the country.

The Victory Party has announced plans to file a legal challenge against Özdağ’s arrest, alleging that the case is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.