Turkish opposition leader accuses justice minister of wiretapping President Erdogan

CHP leader Ozgur Ozel on May 8 accused Justice Minister Akin Gurlek of wiretapping President Tayyip Erdogan via an encrypted phone, and repeated the claim on May 9 at a rally in Rize, Erdogan's hometown. Ozel alleged that Gurlek, while still Istanbul chief public prosecutor, communicated directly with Erdogan using a cryptophone, bypassing then-Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc. Ozel further claimed Gurlek may now be using that cryptophone to eavesdrop on Erdogan.

Ozel threatened Gurlek, saying he "cannot go out in public" and "cannot stay in his seat." The accusation comes amid a widening crackdown on CHP municipalities. On May 10, detained Antalya Mayor Muhittin Bocek applied for effective remorse and gave a confession statement. Bocek's son Gokhan Bocek, also detained on corruption charges, had previously confessed, alleging he delivered 1 million euros in a backpack to an unidentified person at CHP headquarters for Veli Agababa, without his father's knowledge. Ozel denied the allegation about the 1 million euros.

Balikesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akin faces an imminent investigation over the cost of Republic Day decorations, amid pressure to switch to AK Party. Afyon Mayor Burcu Koksal, who left CHP, is expected to join AK Party on May 12. On May 11, hearings began in a "political espionage" case linked to efforts to shut down CHP.