Turkey: CHP dismisses lawmaker over remarks on adhan

By Muhammet Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) dismissed Ozturk Yilmaz, a lawmaker from eastern Ardahan province.

Yilmaz was dismissed on Tuesday for violating the party bylaw by appearing on television without permission.

His case had been referred to the party's disciplinary committee.

In a recent appearance, Yilmaz suggested that the Muslim call to prayer, or adhan, should be changed from Arabic to Turkish.

His remarks were slammed by the party administration as well as CHP lawmakers.

From 1932 to 1950, in Turkey’s single-party era of CHP rule, the adhan was recited in Turkish, but then-Prime Minister Adnan Menderes ended the practice in 1950.

Following the party decision, Yilmaz held a news conference in the parliament describing the move "as a betrayal".

"I see it [the decision] as an injustice by a party which is in search of justice and law," he said.

He added that the Turkish nation would judge the party decision.