Turkey’s Main Opposition Party Leader Deniz Baykal Resigns over Sex Scandal

Leader of the main Turkish opposition party, Republican People’s Party (CHP), Deniz Baykal stepped aside on May 10 afternoon following a secret sex tape distributed via the Internet allegedly showing him naked with his former private secretary and the current Parliamentarian, Nesrin Baytok.

According to Turkish Weekly Baykal, declared his resignation in a press conference after he consulted his friends and main party officials during the weekend.

In a highly dramatic tone, Baykal said that “this violates human rights that are respected by all political regimes and all religions.”
“It is not organized for economic benefit, but for political reasons. The plot targets not an individual, but the CHP's struggle for democracy,” said he, adding: "If necessary, I am ready to bear responsibility."

Further Baykal challenged the claims and regarded them into what he called a “conspiracy,” implying the ruling Party, Justice and Development Part (AK Party) headed by the Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“It is not a coincidence that the tape was released amid constitutional reforms. It is impossible to organize such a plot within such a short period of time without the knowledge of the ruling party. One who gives credit to unlawful and unethical plots, cannot defend law and ethics,” said Baykal.