Turkey's DEM Condemns CHP Ouster and Police Eviction After 2023 Congress Ruling

7 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 25

DEM, Turkey's third-largest parliamentary party, called the court ouster of CHP leader Ozgur Ozel and the police eviction from party headquarters a "disgrace to democracy" and a scandal for the rule of law.
Tear gas and riot police were used on Sunday to force entry into CHP headquarters in Ankara after an appeals court last week annulled the 2023 CHP congress that elected Ozel, citing irregularities, and reinstated former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu.
CHP has branded the ruling a judicial coup, rejected the leadership change and shifted its political fight to parliament, where Ozel told supporters the assembly would serve as the party's new headquarters.
AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik said the case stemmed from CHP's internal disputes, but the clash deepens concern over a wider crackdown that has seen hundreds of CHP officials detained since 2024, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

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