Turkish riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons on Sunday to storm the headquarters of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara. The operation followed a controversial appeals court decision that declared the leadership of Özgür Özel null and void, effectively removing him from his position. The court’s ruling mandates that party veteran Kemal Kilicdaroğlu, who previously lost the 2023 presidential election to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, be reinstated as the party’s leader.

Supporters of Özel had attempted to barricade the building, leading to intense clashes between opposing factions within the party and security forces. Representatives for Kilicdaroğlu had reportedly requested police intervention to gain access to the premises, citing the court order. Following the raid, Özel was seen leaving the building and addressing a crowd of supporters, vowing to continue his political movement in the streets and public squares rather than yielding to the government’s pressure.

Critics and international observers have expressed deep concern over the incident, suggesting that the move is part of a broader strategy by the current administration to weaken political opposition and consolidate power. While government officials, including the Justice Minister, have defended the court’s decision as a measure to uphold democratic integrity, opposition figures maintain that the legal action is a targeted effort to eliminate political rivals. The situation remains volatile as the party faces a complete overhaul of its executive leadership in the wake of the ruling.