Öztürkler: Parliament Entry Restrictions Aimed At Security And Order

Following the restriction of access points, Öztürkler explained that the measure was introduced so that both parliamentary staff and lawmakers could work under safer and more controlled conditions. Responding to claims by CTP deputies Sami Özuslu and Devrim Barçın that the building had been closed without prior notice, he said the decision was taken solely to regulate working conditions and did not prevent members of parliament from entering the building.

Öztürkler stressed that deputies were still able to access Parliament through the Presidential entrance. He added that journalists and union leaders would be allowed to enter on foot via the main gate after parking their vehicles across the road, with police barricades permitting their passage.

He noted that responsibility for parliamentary security lies with the police and that uncontrolled entry had previously caused problems. Öztürkler said the Police Directorate had therefore taken this decision as part of its duty to ensure security, adding that no lawmaker was being barred from entering Parliament and that alternative access points remained open.