Turkish police stormed opposition headquarters after the removal of its leadership
Kyiv • UNN
Ankara police stormed the opposition office following the judicial removal of leader Özgür Özel. Tear gas and water cannons were used against protesters.
In the Turkish capital, riot police stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) following a court decision to remove its leader, Özgür Özel. This was reported by the BBC, according to UNN.
Details
Clashes broke out between security forces and CHP supporters near the party building in Ankara. Protesters barricaded the entrances, while police used tear gas and water cannons. Video from the scene shows people inside the building throwing objects at the security forces.
Opposition accused Erdogan's government of pressure
Turkey's Court of Appeals invalidated Özel's election as party chairman and ordered the leadership to be handed over to Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who lost the 2023 presidential election to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Özel stated that he does not recognize the court's decision.
"We are under attack,"
Following the clashes, Özel, along with hundreds of supporters, marched to the Turkish Parliament. Human Rights Watch previously stated that Erdogan's government is undermining Turkish democracy through pressure on the opposition. Erdoğan himself has led the country since 2003 and will only be able to run again in the event of early elections or constitutional changes.