‘Camera planted in lawmaker’s office’ stirs debate in Turkish parliament

ANKARA

DHA photo

A deputy from the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has alleged that a camera was planted and then removed from the office of an MHP lawmaker. 

MHP group deputy chairman Erkan Akçay said a camera was planted in the office of the MHP lawmaker from the northwestern province of Kocaeli, Saffet Sancaklı, demanding an investigation into the incident.

“Who are these people and what are they after? This shows that this conspiratorial logic is ongoing,” Akçay told parliament on Nov. 10, adding that necessary precautions should be taken and that those responsible for the incident should be brought into the open. 

Akçay also said Sancaklı’s office is in the public relations building and that the camera was planted in the ceiling of the office late on Nov. 2. 

“The doors of the public relations building can only be opened with ciphered cars. We demand the launch of necessary investigations and that all technical precautions be taken immediately taking the existence of security cameras into account,” he said. The claim generated a strong response from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). 

“What happened should absolutely be brought to light,” said AKP group deputy chairman Naci Bostancı, adding that it’s a “serious incident.” 

“If something like this took place, those responsible should be found out and the public must be informed about the case. It is our duty here to protect the law of lawmakers no matter which party they are from. It’s the duty of the parliament to follow this case,” he said. 

CHP’s group deputy chairman Engin Altay also reacted to the incident, saying it was a “scandal.” 

“We expect the government to carry out its responsibilities regarding these issues more meticulously. If a camera can be planted in a lawmaker’s office, who knows what can be planted in his bedroom? It’s a scandal and a shame,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Parliament Deputy Speaker Ahmet Aydın commented on the incident, saying the claims are “very serious and significant.” 

“This claim was presented with a petition. We’ve been told the necessary investigations have started regarding the case,” Aydın said, adding that parliament would follow the developments. 

“When the investigations are completed, we will be informed,” he said.