Turkish Police Storm Opposition Party HQ After Court Ousts Leader
Turkish riot police forced their way into the main opposition party’s headquarters on Sunday.
Police Break into CHP Building
The action came days after a court dismissed its leadership. Clouds of tear gas billowed outside the Republican People’s Party (CHP) building in Ankara. Party members had blocked the entrances with a makeshift barricade. Footage from the scene showed those inside shouting and throwing objects towards the entrance. Police were also sprayed with hoses.
Court Removes Özel
The party had vowed to defy an appeal court decision on Thursday. The court declared Özgür Özel’s leadership of the party null and void. The move further cements President Erdoğan’s grip on power. The court decided that Özel should be replaced by Kemal Kilicdaroğlu, a 77-year-old party veteran who lost to Erdoğan in the 2023 presidential election.
Kilicdaroğlu’s Representatives Request Police Action
Turkish media reported that Kilicdaroğlu’s representatives had requested police carry out “necessary procedures” to hand over the headquarters. They claimed they had so far been barred entry. The city’s governor then instructed police to “implement the court decision”.
