Police Enter CHP Headquarters Following Court Ruling
On Sunday, Turkish riot police forcibly entered the headquarters of the Republican People's Party (CHP), the country's main opposition party, shortly after a court invalidated its current leadership.
Outside the CHP building in Ankara, tear gas filled the air as party members erected a makeshift barricade to block the entrances. Video footage showed individuals inside the building shouting and throwing objects toward the entrance, while police responded with water hoses.
Leadership Dispute and Court Decision
The confrontation followed a Thursday appeal court decision that declared Özgür Özel's leadership of the CHP null and void. This ruling further consolidates President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's influence over Turkish politics.
The court mandated that Özel be replaced by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a 77-year-old veteran of the party who was defeated by Erdoğan in the 2023 presidential election.
According to Turkish media, representatives of Kılıçdaroğlu requested police intervention to enforce the court ruling and facilitate the handover of the party headquarters, alleging they had been denied access until then.
The governor of Ankara instructed police to "implement the court decision," as stated in an official announcement from his office.
Resistance and Public Statements
As security forces attempted to enter the building, Özel posted a video message on X declaring:
"We are under attack."
Clashes were reported between supporters of Özel and those backing Kılıçdaroğlu during the police operation.
Özel later exited the premises and proceeded toward the Turkish assembly, accompanied by supporters. Addressing the crowd, he said:
"They tried to uproot and throw us out."
He further stated that the party would continue its activities publicly, saying:
"From now be on the streets or in the squares, marching towards power."
International and Political Reactions
Human Rights Watch issued a warning on Saturday, criticizing Erdoğan's government for undermining Turkish democracy through "abusive tactics" targeting the CHP.
Erdoğan has been Turkey's leader since 2003, initially as prime minister and subsequently as president. Özel has accused Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) of employing a strategy aimed at "eliminating its rivals."
At 72 years old, Erdoğan is eligible to run for president again only if he calls early elections before 2028 or amends the constitution.
Earlier this week, Justice Minister Akin Gürlek commented on the appeal court ruling, stating it:
"Reinforces our citizens' trust in democracy."
Legal Background and Consequences
The recent ruling overturned a 2025 lower court decision that had dismissed allegations of vote buying during the CHP primary election, in which Özel was elected opposition leader.
As a result of the ruling, the party's entire executive committee has been replaced, and its decisions are reportedly no longer recognized.
