In the local elections held on March 31, 2019, a lawsuit was filed regarding the attack and murder of 2 ballot box observers in Malatya's Pütürge district. Saadet Party Chairman Temel Karamollaoğlu reacted by making a statement before the trial. Drawing attention to the reductions applied in previous case decisions, he called for justice to be done.
“THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE KILLING OF TWO PEOPLE”
Reminding that the decision given with the discounts given to the murderers of the murdered ballot box witnesses was overturned, Karamollaoğlu called for justice to be found in the case to be heard. Karamollaoğlu said, “Unfortunately, the process that took place after the massacre, in which orphaned children, tearful mothers and spouses remained, is much worse! The perpetrators were first sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment twice, but then sentenced to life imprisonment with a 'reduction'. However, this 'discount' would not have been considered sufficient, as various covers were made up. The verdict on the perpetrators was overturned. Apparently, this penalty will be reduced by making a 'reduction' again and a very low penalty will be imposed with a second 'discount'. This should not be the punishment for murdering two people at the ballot box in front of everyone!”
“WE HOPE THAT POLITICAL ACCOUNTS DO NOT AVOID THE LAW”
Conveying the question of how justice will be found with the discounts given, Karamollaoğlu stated that they hoped justice would be served and said, “How will justice be served at the end of these 'discounts', which are almost like grace? It is not possible to reconcile the evaluation of the murderer and the victim according to their political views with justice! We hope that justice will prevail and that political calculations do not precede the law. However, in the opposite case, I would like everyone to know that we, as the Saadet Party, will continue our legal and political struggle with determination. I wish Almighty God's mercy once again to our murdered brothers, patience and condolences to their families and our community.”