HÜDA PAR spokesperson and Batman MP Serkan Ramanlı has called for an economic system based on production, labor and the fair distribution of wealth, criticizing capitalism for deepening inequality and placing an unfair financial burden on future generations.

Speaking at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Ramanlı argued that an interest-free economic model rooted in Islamic principles could offer a fairer alternative to the current system. He also called for an investigation into the death of an elderly prisoner, greater transparency in Hajj costs and respect for Türkiye’s maritime rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Criticizing the capitalist economic order, Ramanlı said it placed excessive emphasis on interest-based financing and debt, while failing to ensure a fair distribution of wealth.

Referring to the Qur’anic injunction, “Allah has made trade lawful and interest unlawful,” he noted that economic activity should be based on production, legitimate trade and shared responsibility rather than interest.

Ramanlı said Islamic finance offers several alternatives, including profit-and-loss partnerships, salam financing and murabaha, which can support economic activity without relying on conventional interest-based lending.

He described capitalism as a form of “global economic terrorism,” underlining that its debt-driven structure threatens economic justice and leaves future generations to bear the consequences of today’s financial decisions.

Ramanlı also raised concerns over the death of 73-year-old Abdullah Tırpan, who reportedly died in intensive care after remaining in prison despite his advanced age and serious health problems.

He called for a thorough investigation into whether negligence had contributed to Tırpan’s death, urging authorities to review his medical reports and examine the decisions not to defer his sentence.

Ramanlı said legal proceedings should be initiated if those responsible were found to have failed in their duties. He also called for a review of the cases of seriously ill prisoners and for legal safeguards to ensure that the right to life and human dignity are protected in the prison system.

Turning to the cost of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Ramanlı expressed concern over reported package prices ranging from $8,800 to $24,500 per person, with most pilgrims said to pay around $9,200.

He noted that the fees were high compared with those charged to pilgrims from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia.

Ramanlı called on the relevant authorities to publish a detailed breakdown of Hajj expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, transportation and personnel costs. Greater transparency, he said, would help explain the pricing structure and identify opportunities to reduce the financial burden on pilgrims.

“Hajj is an act of worship, not a luxury trip,” he said, stressing that the cost of fulfilling this religious obligation should not place an excessive burden on believers.

Ramanlı also welcomed the Libyan House of Representatives’ ratification of the 2019 agreement between Türkiye and Libya on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas.

He said the agreement was important for safeguarding the rights and interests of both countries, while criticizing the European Union’s biased approach to maritime disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ramanlı argued that European pressure should not undermine Türkiye’s or Libya’s sovereign rights, accusing some European actors of prioritizing the interests of Greece and Israel over those of Türkiye and Libya.

He also expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to overcoming divisions within Libya, encouraging dialogue and supporting national reconciliation. (ILKHA)