Tensions rise as Ilhan Ahmet accuses Özgür Ferhat of being guided by external forces
Clash during parliamentary immunity debate between Rodopi MPs sparks controversy over minority representation
A heated exchange took place during a parliamentary debate on the immunity of Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat, as a verbal clash erupted between Ferhat and fellow Rodopi MP Ilhan Ahmet. The confrontation highlighted growing tensions over the political representation and influence on the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
Ferhat Files Complaint over Minority Statement
During the session, Özgür Ferhat criticized journalist Nikos Arvanitis for targeting 17 minority representatives in a public statement that Ferhat claimed was defamatory. He announced that he had filed a legal complaint against the signatories of the statement, accusing Arvanitis of making unfounded allegations not only against minority figures but also against former prime ministers, MPs, and party leaders.
Ferhat questioned why Arvanitis had refrained from criticizing PASOK MP Ilhan Ahmet, raising concerns about Ahmet’s political stance and perceived alignment.
Ilhan Ahmet: “Ferhat is being guided by certain centers”
Responding to the accusations, Ilhan Ahmet claimed that Ferhat was being "guided by certain centers" and emphasized his own independence as an MP. Ahmet asserted that he had consistently fought against foreign influence and threats to the minority community, pointing to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s claims of foreign interference in the 2023 Rodopi elections.
Ahmet also reminded the parliament that PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis had appointed him as the party’s spokesperson on human rights, underlining his commitment to defending minority rights and freedom of expression. He stated, "I fight against interventions that aim to manipulate the minority and disturb the peaceful coexistence in our region."
However, Ahmet refrained from commenting on the dispute between Ferhat and Arvanitis directly.
Ferhat Accuses Ahmet of Targeting the Minority
In a sharp rebuttal, Ferhat called on PASOK leaders not to "risk their hands for a politician who has changed parties five or six times." He dismissed Mitsotakis’s 2023 election interference claims as unproven and accused Ahmet of targeting and stigmatizing the Turkish minority with his remarks.
"Can you prove these claims," Ferhat asked, "or are you accusing the 17,000-18,000 citizens of Rodopi who freely chose to vote for SYRIZA and for me?"
Ferhat concluded his remarks with a stern message: "Stop blaming the very minority you come from. Stop targeting your own people. You should be ashamed of this behavior."
