Turkey’s ruling AKP launches bi-election campaign in Kocaeli

Erdogan criticized recent initiative of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) regarding Koran courses in his speech.

“They are talking about opening Koran courses. It is very good indeed. To hear this from them is very good. Now I ask myself whether those who filed a lawsuit against us to ban our party are also hearing them,” Erdogan said.

Turkey's top prosecutor filed lawsuit against Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party demanding its closure in March 2008 on the accusation of becoming the "focal point of anti-secular activities". The constitutional court ruled against the party’s closure, but delivered a harsh warning.

With the elections drawing near, CHP continues to try with new moves, recognizing the rising trend of nationalist-conservative-Islam, especially after the Israeli offensive in Gaza, as a source of additional votes.

As part of efforts to divert attention away from the ruling AKP, CHP has promised Koran courses and has invited women in black-chadors into the party.