Turkish Police Storm CHP Headquarters in Ankara After Court Ousts Leadership
On May 24-25, 2026, Turkish riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to forcibly evict main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel and his supporters from the party headquarters in Ankara. The raid followed a court ruling nullifying Ozel's 2023 election as chair and reinstating former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel's faction barricaded themselves for three days, calling it a "judicial coup." The crackdown, which also included the closure of Bilgi University, triggered market turmoil and drew muted international criticism. Ozel vowed to continue the fight, while analysts see the move as a test of democracy in NATO-member Turkey.
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Turkish Writers Condemn Judicial Removal of Main Opposition CHP Leader
More than 250 Turkish writers, including Asli Erdogan and Buket Uzuner, issued a joint statement condemning the judicial removal of Özgür Özel as head of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). The writers accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government of using a controlled judiciary to attack basic democratic rights and the will of the people. The crisis began when an Ankara court declared the 2023 CHP leadership election invalid, removing Özel from office. Subsequently, police violently stormed CHP headquarters in Ankara and forced Özel to leave. The CHP, Turkey's oldest political party, has faced increasing judicial pressure since defeating Erdogan's party in the 2024 local elections. Former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as Erdogan's main rival, has been imprisoned for over a year on corruption charges. The writers explicitly rejected systematic violations of law aimed at creating a 'Türkiye without elections.'
Nachrichten - WELTTurkey's Opposition in Crisis: CHP Leadership Dispute Escalates into Broader Political Confrontation
The article analyzes a deepening crisis within Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), following an appeals court decision to invalidate Özgür Özel's election as leader and reinstate former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The ruling triggered unprecedented scenes as police stormed CHP headquarters in Ankara using tear gas and rubber bullets. Özel described the operation as a 'judicial coup.' The crisis is framed as a significant test for Turkish democracy, the party system, and President Erdoğan's political future. The CHP, which gained momentum under Özel after the 2024 local elections, is seen as the last real counterweight to Erdoğan's AKP. The article interprets the court action as part of a broader strategy to neutralize opposition, citing ongoing legal cases against CHP figures like Ekrem İmamoğlu. It also highlights an internal party clash between traditional elite-centered politics and a new civic-empowerment model.
Defence24.comTurkey's Opposition in Crisis: CHP Leadership Dispute Escalates into Broader Political Confrontation
The article analyzes a deepening crisis within Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), following an appeals court decision to invalidate Özgür Özel's election as leader and reinstate former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Police raided CHP headquarters in Ankara using tear gas and rubber bullets, which Özel called a 'judicial coup.' The dispute is framed as a broader test for Turkish democracy, the party system, and President Erdoğan's political future. The CHP, which gained momentum under Özel after the 2024 local elections, is seen as the last major counterweight to Erdoğan's AKP. The crisis reflects a clash between traditional centralized party politics and a new civic-driven political mobilization. Observers view the court action as part of a strategy to neutralize opposition ahead of potential early elections, citing ongoing legal cases against CHP figures like Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Defence24.comTurkish riot police use water cannons ahead of deposed opposition leader's speech
On May 26, 2026, Turkish riot police used water cannons and pepper spray to prevent supporters of deposed opposition leader Ozgur Ozel from gathering at Cumhuriyet Square in Izmir. Ozel, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was removed from his post by a court order on May 26, which critics view as politically motivated. The court overturned a 2023 party congress vote that appointed Ozel, reinstating his predecessor Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel and his supporters had barricaded themselves in CHP headquarters in Ankara before police stormed the building on May 24. Despite police blockades, Ozel walked to an alternative square in Izmir and delivered a speech to thousands of cheering supporters. The crisis comes amid ongoing legal cases against CHP officials, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, seen as potential challengers to President Erdogan. The government maintains the courts are impartial.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Protests in Izmir: Turkish Police Use Water Cannons Against Demonstrators
On May 26, 2026, Turkish police in Izmir used water cannons to disperse over a thousand protesters demonstrating against the controversial court-ordered removal of CHP leader Özgür Özel. The deposed leader called for the protests after a court invalidated the 2023 CHP party conference, citing bribery allegations, and appointed Kemal Kiliçdaroğlu as interim party leader. Demonstrators fled into side streets, shouting slogans like 'Shoulder to shoulder against fascism' and calling Kiliçdaroğlu a 'traitor' linked to President Erdoğan. The protests follow similar demonstrations in Ankara and Istanbul. Özel has stated he will not abandon the CHP but may form a new party if the government dissolves it. Police also forcibly entered CHP headquarters in Ankara last week, leading to confrontations.
taz.de - taz.deTurkish Government Cracks Down on CHP Opposition, Storms Party Headquarters
On May 25, 2026, Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara, using tear gas and plastic bullets to evacuate members. The raid followed a controversial court ruling that removed CHP leader Özgür Özel and the entire party executive, reinstating former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu over alleged vote-buying irregularities from 2023. Özel, who had been leading a protest march to parliament, was seen climbing a water cannon in the rain. The crackdown is widely seen as President Erdoğan's attempt to neutralize the opposition ahead of potential early elections in 2027, as his AKP trails the CHP in polls. The CHP's presidential candidate, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, was already arrested in March 2025. The storming of the CHP headquarters, the founding party of the Turkish Republic, is unprecedented in Turkish history.
taz.de - taz.deTurkish Government Cracks Down on CHP Opposition, Storms Party Headquarters
On May 25, 2026, Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara, using tear gas and plastic bullets to evacuate members. The raid followed a controversial court ruling that removed CHP leader Özgür Özel and the entire party executive committee, reinstating former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The ruling cited alleged vote-buying during Özel's 2023 election, which critics say was ignored until after the CHP defeated President Erdoğan's AKP in local elections. Özel, who had been leading a sit-in protest, marched to parliament where water cannons blocked entry. He accused Erdoğan of losing his mind and warned of an authoritarian crackdown. Analysts suggest Erdoğan, barred from running in 2028, is pushing for early elections in 2027 and neutralizing opposition figures, including the earlier arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The storming of the CHP headquarters, the party founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is unprecedented in Turkish history.
taz.de - taz.deTurkish Police Raid Main Opposition Party HQ to Eject Leadership
On Sunday, Turkish riot police raided the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara to enforce a controversial court ruling that removed party leader Ozgur Ozel and reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Officers used tear gas to break through barricades after CHP members refused to leave. Following the raid, Ozel led tens of thousands of supporters on a march to the Turkish parliament, vowing to continue governing the party from his parliamentary office and calling the court decision a 'judicial coup'. The escalation follows an appeals court annulment of the CHP's 2023 congress that brought Ozel to power after the opposition's national election defeat. Under Ozel, the CHP won the 2024 local elections, dealing a humiliating blow to President Erdogan. The move is part of a broader crackdown on the opposition, with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a CHP-backed presidential candidate, already in jail awaiting trial on politically motivated corruption charges.
Balkan InsightTurkish police storm CHP headquarters amid political crisis
On May 25, 2026, Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara, using tear gas and rubber bullets to remove party leader Ozgur Ozel. The action followed a court decision annulling Ozel's 2023 election victory. Critics and protesters denounced the police raid as politically motivated, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of intensifying pressure on the opposition. The incident marks a significant escalation in Turkey's political crisis, with the government using force against the opposition party's central office.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesTurkish Police Storm CHP Headquarters, Forcibly Remove Opposition Leader Özgür Özel
Turkish riot police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara on Sunday, using tear gas and rubber bullets to forcibly remove party leader Özgür Özel and his supporters. The raid followed a Thursday court decision invalidating Özel's election as CHP head on grounds of irregularities, ordering his replacement by former leader Kemal Kiliçdaroglu. Özel accused President Erdogan of authoritarianism, stating 'Turkey has ceased to be a modern democratic republic.' Supporters had blocked the building since morning to prevent the handover. Human Rights Watch called the dismissal 'a final, deeply damaging blow to the rule of law, democracy and human rights in Turkey.' The pro-Kurdish DEM party also denounced the attack on democratic will. The CHP, which won local elections in 2024, has faced increasing judicial pressure, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
Le TempsTurkish riot police storm opposition CHP headquarters after court ousts leader
Turkish riot police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara on Sunday, using tear gas and force to enter the building. The raid came days after an appeal court overturned the election of party leader Özgür Özel, ordering his replacement by Kemal Kilicdaroğlu, who lost to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the 2023 election. Party members had barricaded the entrances to resist the court decision. Özel, who emerged from the building after the police action, vowed to take the fight to the streets and squares, leading hundreds of supporters toward parliament. The court ruling also invalidates the party's entire executive. Human Rights Watch accused Erdoğan's government of undermining Turkish democracy with abusive tactics. The incident deepens political tensions in Turkey, where Erdoğan has consolidated power and opposition figures like Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu face legal challenges.
BBC NewsTurkish Police Storm Main Opposition Party Headquarters to Remove Ousted Leaders
On May 24, 2026, hundreds of Turkish law enforcement officers stormed the Ankara headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to forcibly remove its leaders, who had been dismissed by a court order on May 21. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel, a vocal critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and his supporters had barricaded themselves inside the building since morning, refusing to accept the court's decision. The party is currently facing investigations and potential arrests. The raid marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Turkish government and the opposition, with CHP supporters reportedly shouting that 'Erdogan has lost his mind.' The event underscores deepening political polarization in Turkey.
Digi24Turkish Riot Police Storm CHP Headquarters to Evict Ousted Leadership
On May 25, 2026, Turkish riot police fired tear gas and forced their way into the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara to evict its ousted leadership. The raid followed a controversial court ruling on Thursday that annulled the 2023 CHP congress results, removing party leader Ozgur Ozel and reinstating former chair Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Police broke through a makeshift barricade as those inside shouted and threw objects; no injuries were reported. Ozel, who emerged from the building after the intervention, vowed that the CHP would now be 'on the streets, in the squares, marching towards power.' Analysts view the court decision as a test of democracy versus autocracy in NATO-member Turkey, potentially extending President Erdogan's 23-year rule.
News - South China Morning PostTurkish Police Evict Ousted CHP Leaders from Party Headquarters
Turkish riot police forcibly entered the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara on Sunday, using tear gas and rubber bullets to evict ousted leader Ozgur Ozel and his supporters. The eviction followed a court ruling on Thursday that nullified Ozel's 2023 election as party chair and temporarily reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel's faction rejected the ruling as a 'judicial coup' and had barricaded themselves inside the building for three days. Kilicdaroglu's supporters attempted to take over the building before police intervened. Ozel vowed the party would now take its fight to the streets. The CHP has appealed the ruling to Turkey's Supreme Court, but a decision may take over a year. The political crisis comes as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key CHP figure and potential challenger to President Erdogan, remains imprisoned on corruption charges.
Deutsche WelleTurkish police evict ousted CHP leaders from party headquarters
Turkish riot police forcibly entered the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara on Sunday, using tear gas and rubber bullets to evict ousted leader Ozgur Ozel and his supporters. The eviction followed a court ruling on Thursday that nullified Ozel's 2023 election as party chair and temporarily reinstated former chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozel's faction rejected the ruling as a 'judicial coup' and had barricaded themselves inside the building for three days. Kilicdaroglu's supporters attempted to take over the building before police intervened. Ozel vowed the party would continue its struggle 'on the streets or in the squares.' The CHP has appealed the ruling to Turkey's Supreme Court, but a decision may take over a year. The court decision is seen as a severe blow to the CHP, which under Ozel had won a decisive victory in the 2024 municipal elections against President Erdogan's AKP.
Deutsche WelleTurkish police use tear gas to break into CHP headquarters
On May 24, 2026, Turkish riot police used tear gas and forcibly entered the Ankara headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) after a court dismissed its leadership. Hundreds of police officers evicted supporters who had blocked the building's entrances in defiance of the ruling. Video footage showed officers using tear gas and pushing through entrances to remove party leader Ozgur Ozel. The court ruling named former CHP chairman Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim leader as part of an ongoing probe into the party. Rights groups condemned the police action, calling it a major blow to democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
Latest News From Euronews | Euronews RSSTurkish Police Raid Main Opposition Party Headquarters
On May 24, 2026, Turkish police raided the Ankara headquarters of the Republican People's Party (CHP), the largest opposition party, using tear gas and rubber bullets against a crowd gathered outside. Journalists were removed, and property was destroyed inside. The raid followed an appeals court decision invalidating the 2023 election of party chairman Özgür Özel, ordering his replacement by predecessor Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Özel, who defeated President Erdogan's AKP in 2024 municipal elections, has been barricaded in the headquarters since Thursday with most of the party. The opposition views the court decision as politically motivated to weaken the CHP. The next presidential election is due in 2028, but Erdogan may call early elections. His main challenger, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has been imprisoned since March 2026 on corruption charges.
444Erdoğan Evacuates CHP Headquarters, Deposes Party Leadership in Crackdown on Opposition
On May 24, 2026, Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Ankara, using tear gas and plastic bullets to evacuate members. The operation followed a court ruling that retroactively invalidated the 2023 CHP party conference, deposing leader Özgür Özel and replacing him with long-time previous leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, seen as less threatening to President Erdoğan. The crackdown also included the closure of Bilgi University, a liberal private institution. Erdoğan timed the move to coincide with the Feast of Sacrifice holiday, when political life is dormant, and during a period when he is being courted by Western and Eastern powers as a mediator. International reactions from the EU and Germany were muted, while Turkish markets reacted sharply, with the stock market collapsing and the central bank spending $10 billion to support the lira. CHP leader Özel vowed to continue the fight, saying 'We will be back.'
taz.de - taz.deTurkish court removes opposition leader Özgür Özel, triggering chaos in CHP
A Turkish court has declared the 2023 CHP congress invalid, removing chairman Özgür Özel and reinstating former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. This unprecedented judicial intervention has sparked violent protests at party headquarters in Ankara, with supporters of both factions clashing. The ruling comes amid ongoing legal pressure on the CHP, including arrests of mayors and politicians. Analysts view the move as a further step in Turkey's authoritarian turn, undermining internal party democracy. The CHP, which had gained momentum under Özel's leadership and won the 2024 local elections, now faces a severe internal power struggle that threatens its ability to challenge President Erdogan in upcoming elections.
Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek - NRCTurkish Riot Police Storm Main Opposition Party HQ After Court Ousts Leadership
On May 24, 2026, hundreds of Turkish riot police used tear gas to forcibly enter the Ankara headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) after a court dismissed its leadership. Party members had barricaded the building in defiance of a court order issued on May 21 as part of an official probe against the CHP. The court canceled the 2023 election victory of CHP leader Ozgur Ozel and appointed former chair Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim leader. Ozel vowed to take the party to the streets and squares, marching toward parliament with supporters. Human Rights Watch condemned the move as the latest blow to democracy and rule of law in Turkey. The incident follows the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main political rival, last year. Similar scenes occurred in Istanbul in 2025 when a court appointed an administrator for regional CHP offices.
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