Turkey's CHP leader backs freed MP over row

Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has expressed support for his party’s Tunceli deputy Hüseyin Aygün, who has come under fire for statements he made after being freed by militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) following a 48-hour-abduction, Hurriyet reports.

“His remarks do not reflect the party’s opinion, but there’s nothing wrong in his statements. I’m with our lawmaker. He maintained a humanistic stance,” daily Hürriyet quoted Kılıçdaroğlu as saying Aug. 17. Aygün, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the party chairman’s backing, saying that Kılçdaroğlu’s remarks have shed light on the new CHP’s roadmap. “It has become clear that the CHP will not be on the same side with nationalist and racist mentalities,” Aygün said.

Aygün was kidnapped by two PKK militants on Aug. 12 as he was returning from a visit to Tunceli’s Ovacık district. He was released Aug. 14. Speaking to reporters in Tunceli after his release, Aygün said he had been “treated with respect” by the PKK members. “The organization said they kidnapped me for propaganda reasons,” he said