On Sunday evening, riot police seized the Republican People’s Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara after a court decision invalidated the leadership of Özgür Özel. The police, ordered by the city governor to “implement the court decision,” poured tear gas into the building and broke through a makeshift barricade erected by party members.
Footage shows clashes inside the building: CHP members shouting, throwing objects toward the entrance, and police hoses spraying tear gas. In a short video posted to X, Özel declared he would defy the appeal‑court ruling and vowed to continue the fight for the party’s rights. “We are under attack,” he said as security forces attempted to force entry. He later emerged from the premises and led a march through Ankara’s streets toward the Turkish parliament.
The court’s ruling also annuls earlier findings that cleared Özel of accusations of vote‑buying in the 2025 party election. Consequently, the CHP’s entire executive is being replaced with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a 77‑year‑old veteran and former presidential candidate. The decision now means the party’s actions remain unrecognized by Turkish authorities.
Human Rights Watch has warned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government is employing abusive tactics against the opposition, citing an erosion of democratic norms. Since taking office in 2003, Erdoğan has repeatedly leveraged legal and security measures to eliminate rivals.
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister, Akin Gürlek, defended the appeal‑court ruling, arguing it “reinforces our citizens’ trust in democracy.” The incident follows a string of high‑profile prosecutions against opposition figures, including Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, who remains imprisoned on corruption charges.
The storming of CHP headquarters marks a new chapter in Turkey’s political crackdown, highlighting the growing threat to opposition mobilization and the country’s democratic future.
Footage shows clashes inside the building: CHP members shouting, throwing objects toward the entrance, and police hoses spraying tear gas. In a short video posted to X, Özel declared he would defy the appeal‑court ruling and vowed to continue the fight for the party’s rights. “We are under attack,” he said as security forces attempted to force entry. He later emerged from the premises and led a march through Ankara’s streets toward the Turkish parliament.
The court’s ruling also annuls earlier findings that cleared Özel of accusations of vote‑buying in the 2025 party election. Consequently, the CHP’s entire executive is being replaced with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a 77‑year‑old veteran and former presidential candidate. The decision now means the party’s actions remain unrecognized by Turkish authorities.
Human Rights Watch has warned that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government is employing abusive tactics against the opposition, citing an erosion of democratic norms. Since taking office in 2003, Erdoğan has repeatedly leveraged legal and security measures to eliminate rivals.
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister, Akin Gürlek, defended the appeal‑court ruling, arguing it “reinforces our citizens’ trust in democracy.” The incident follows a string of high‑profile prosecutions against opposition figures, including Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, who remains imprisoned on corruption charges.
The storming of CHP headquarters marks a new chapter in Turkey’s political crackdown, highlighting the growing threat to opposition mobilization and the country’s democratic future.
