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2mo ago

Turkish Riot Police Oust Opposition Leader From CHP Headquarters

A court-ordered return of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has led to arrests and a forceful police operation that critics say weakens Turkey’s democratic opposition.

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La police anti-émeute utilise des canons à eau pour disperser des manifestants lors d'un rassemblement organisé par l'ancien chef de l'opposition, Ozgur Özel, le 26 mai 2026 à Izmir, en Turquie
Affrontement entre manifestants et police anti-émeute lors d'un rassemblement organisé par l'ancien chef de l'opposition, Ozgur Özel, quelques jours après sa destitution par un tribunal, le 26 mai 2026 à Izmir, en Turquie 
La police anti-émeute utilise des canons à eau pour disperser des manifestants lors d'un rassemblement organisé par l'ancien chef de l'opposition, Ozgur Özel, le 26 mai 2026 à Izmir, en Turquie

Overview

  • An Ankara court ruled on May 21 that Özgür Özel’s 2023 CHP leadership vote was invalid and named former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to replace him after judges cited alleged irregularities in the party congress.
  • Authorities rejected CHP appeals and prosecutors opened a probe that led the Istanbul prosecutor’s office to announce the arrest of thirteen party members accused of interfering in the 2023 vote.
  • On Sunday, May 24, hundreds of riot police used tear gas and shields to enter the CHP headquarters in Ankara and remove Özel and other leaders who had barricaded themselves inside.
  • Özgür Özel refused to accept the court decision, led marches toward parliament and called for street mobilization, while supporters clashed with Kılıçdaroğlu-aligned activists and police in several cities.
  • Human Rights Watch and the EU delegation publicly condemned the judicial ruling and police action, warning the moves damage rule of law and could reshape the opposition ahead of future presidential contests.