Özel to Erdoğan: "If you're brave, face me at the ballot box"

Turkish opposition politician Özel has challenged President Erdoğan to a direct political showdown, calling on him to settle their dispute through elections rather than through pressure on his associates. Speaking in a firm tone, Özel said: "Whatever documents they have, let them bring them out. But they should stop targeting our friends, our groomsmen, our drivers and our advisers." His remarks signal a sharp escalation in rhetoric, as he accused the government of applying pressure through people close to him instead of confronting him directly.