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Turkish MHP Leader Caught Gambling in Occupied Cyprus

Published January 22, 2026, 07:17
Turkish MHP Leader Caught Gambling in Occupied Cyprus

A scandal has erupted in Turkey involving Haluk Alicik, the chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in Aydin province. Videos and photos circulating on social media show him gambling at a casino in occupied Cyprus, sparking widespread outrage. The incident comes shortly after Alicik made controversial statements about pensioners, whom he labeled "ungrateful" for their protests over low pensions. Alicik vehemently denied the allegations, describing the case as an attempt to defame him. He claimed he was at the hotel for a program and that the photo showed other people at the table. He insisted he had no connection to gambling and accused political opponents of leaking the images. The case has triggered intense debate in Turkish media and on social media, with many expressing disappointment over the behavior of the MHP chairman. The image of Alicik gambling in occupied Cyprus contrasts with his party's nationalist rhetoric and his criticism of Greece and Cyprus.