Turkish police stormed the headquarters of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Sunday to remove the ousted leadership following a controversial court ruling that annulled the party’s 2023 congress.
A Legal Power Struggle
Tensions within the CHP date back to 2023, following Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s defeat in the presidential election against Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Months later, the party elected Ozgur Ozel as its new leader during a congress, though some members challenged the result, alleging vote-buying.
On Thursday, an appeals court in Ankara annulled the 2023 congress. As a result, Kemal Kilicdaroglu was temporarily reinstated as party head until a new congress can be organized. Ozel’s leadership team condemned the court’s decision as a “judicial coup.”
On the same day, police detained 13 individuals in connection with the 2023 congress investigation. They face accusations of violating political party laws, bribery, and money laundering.
Standoff at the Headquarters
Ozel refused to vacate the CHP headquarters in Ankara on Friday, stating he would remain until the party members—not the Justice and Development Party’s judicial structures—decide the leadership. Ozel subsequently called for an urgent new congress, while claiming support from 110 out of 138 parliamentary group members.
On Sunday, May 24, supporters gathered outside the building as police forced their way inside to remove the ousted leadership. Security forces utilized tear gas and rubber bullets during the operation.
Footage shared by the Anka news agency depicted the damaged interior of the headquarters. Ozel maintained his position on X, asserting that he would not leave despite what he described as an alliance between the ruling AKP and the judiciary to dismantle the party.