Turkish police intervene at CHP headquarters following court leadership ruling

On Sunday, Turkish riot police used tear gas to force entry into the headquarters of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara to enforce a court order. The operation followed a Thursday court ruling that declared the 2023 election of party leader Ozgur Ozel null and void due to alleged irregularities. The court reinstated former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who had been defeated in the 2023 presidential election. Representatives for Kilicdaroglu had requested police assistance to gain access to the building after being denied entry by Ozel's supporters. The Ankara governor’s office confirmed it ordered the police intervention to implement the legal decision. No injuries were reported during the physical clashes between security forces and party members inside the barricaded building. Following the intervention, Ozel emerged and led a protest march of several hundred supporters to the Turkish parliament. Ozel vowed to continue the party's political activities in the streets, while supporters chanted slogans against Kilicdaroglu.