Tarhan’s family denies asking for CHP’s help

HAKKARI - Doğan News Agency

Ramazan Tarhan (R) is seen with the Minister of Interior, Naim Şahin (C). DHA photo

Ramazan Tarhan, the brother of kidnapped Justice and Development Party (AKP) official Abdülmecid Tarhan, has denied reports that he sought help from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in attempting to secure the release of his family member.

“The news in some media organs, which claimed that I called and asked for the help of deputy CHP leader Gürsel Tekin, are completely unfounded,” Ramazan Tarhan said. Abdülmecid Tarhan, the AKP’s provincial head in Hakkari, was kidnapped by suspected members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) earlier this week in the eastern province. “I haven’t requested any help from CHP authorities. First, the CHP provincial head of Hakkari called me and expressed his commiserations. Next, Sezgin Tanrıkulu from the CHP called and gave the phone to [CHP leader] Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu said they would do their best to help. After that, deputy CHP leader Gürsel Tekin called. Then, the CHP deputy of Tunceli, Hüseyin Aygün, called and told that he could come to help if we wanted. I told him we had brothers and relatives who were helping. I didn’t ask for help from them.” Ramazan Tarhan said, adding that authorities from the AKP had called immediately after the kidnapping.