Opposition blasts Erdoğan in row over release of Istanbul mayor's son-in-law

The release from detention of Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş's son-in-law Ömer Faruk Kavurmacı, who was previously detained over alleged links with Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), has sparked a war of words between opposition parties and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"It is neither reasonable nor logical to say that the ruling party was held responsible [for the release] while defending Kavurmacı. To reveal the political links of FETÖ is the primary duty of the political authority,"
 
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli posted on his official Twitter account on May 25.

He was tweeting after Erdoğan accused the opposition of "smearing" the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). 

"Mr. President, as you know, law and justice should be implemented equally to everybody. Set Kavurmacı aside and look at the country instead," Bahçeli added. 

"Look at this, there are no politicians accused of being FETÖ members!" the MHP leader had said on May 23 at a meeting with party members in parliament. 

"There is no need to confuse people and protect influential people in the fight against FETÖ," he had said, referring to Kavurmacı.

On May 24 Erdoğan blasted Bahçeli for his criticisms, slamming what he described as a "smear campaign."  

"Holding the ruling party responsible for [the release], even if [Kavurmacı] does not have any place or relation to the party, is outrageous. They should first of all mind their own party, clean out their own party," he said.

"There is a principle in law, the accuser is responsible for proving their accusations. If you know who it is, reveal it," he added. 

In response, MHP head Bahçeli described Erdoğan's comments as "saddening...