Turkey’s main opposition leader quits amid video scandal
Deniz Baykal
After four decades of involvement in Turkish politics, Deniz Baykal’s career comes to an apparent end as he resigns amid an uproar of criticism for his alleged appearance with a female staffer on a clandestinely recorded video. The CHP leader says it’s a conspiracy and he is not done fighting the claims.
Breaking a three-day silence in the wake of a sex tape that has riveted the nation, Turkey’s main opposition leader Deniz Baykal exited the political stage Monday, announcing his resignation at an Ankara press conference.
After a meeting with his senior party members at the Republican People’s Party, or CHP, headquarters in Ankara, CHP leader Baykal announced his resignation in a dramatic speech, saying he is the victim of a conspiracy and blamed the government for the plot but did not give any names.
“Such private images cannot be taped and such a plot can’t be realized without the knowledge of the government,” Baykal said. “So-called well-intentioned statements from the government can’t conceal this crime. Those who criticize the plot are the real initiators,” Baykal said.
“This violates human rights that are respected by all political regimes and all religions. It was not organized for economic benefit, but for political reasons. The plot targets not an individual, but the CHP’s struggle for democracy,” Baykal said. “If necessary, I am ready to bear responsibility.”
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