Ferat Koçak defends Instagram contact with Firas Remmo, claims ignorance of his background

Ferat Koçak, a Bundestag representative for Die Linke, responded to criticism over his Instagram exchange with Firas Remmo by stating the communication was no different from any other contact with a Neukölln citizen and that he only discovered Remmo’s alleged criminal connections afterward. He asserted that any link between elected officials and persons associated with organized crime is indefensible, but described the interaction as a simple greeting to Remmo’s father.

The issue gained attention when Firas Remmo shared video clips of Koçak’s parliamentary speeches and a screenshot of a chat, whose authenticity remains unconfirmed. Die Linke clarified that Issa Remmo, identified as a clan leader, had not been invited to their recent gatherings and was removed from a party celebration. Green party chairman Felix Banaszak demanded a serious examination of the incident, while top Green candidate Werner Graf offered a less definitive response. Koçak concluded by pledging full transparency and a review of his communication practices.