Turkish police break into opposition party headquarters to oust fired leadership

Tear gas clouds spread inside the Republican People's Party building (CHP), while people inside shouted and threw items towards the entrance as police managed to crack an improvised barricade.

It's not clear if there are people injured by the riots.

A Turkish court had dismissed CHP leader Ozgur Ozel on Thursday, cancelling the results of the party congress where he was elected in 2023, citing irregularities. On Sunday, Ankara's governor ordered the evacuation of persons within the headquarters.

The court restored former CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to Ozel, who lost to President Recep Tayip Erdogan in the 2023 national elections.

“We are under attack”, Ozel said through a video message published on X, as police intervention was taking place. He vowed to stay in the building and resist.

“Even if they try to get us out of here, we will continue our march towards power on the street”, he said, calling on CHP supporters to show solidarity and protect party offices.

The CHP's outgoing leadership, under Ozel, has condemned the court's decision, calling it the <x0-bubic judicial” and Ozel, has pledged to appeal the decision and will stand “day and night” at the party headquarters in Ankara.

Ozel called on Saturday to hold a new party congress as soon as possible, while Kilicdaroglu has said the congress will be held at a time of appropriate “”. CHP deputies on Saturday elected Ozel as leader of the party's parliamentary group.

The upcoming national elections in Turkey are scheduled for 2028, but they would have to be held earlier if Erdogan, who is 72, faces restrictions on the presidential mandate, wants to run again.

The Turkish government, meanwhile, denies criticism that it uses courts to target political rivals, saying the judiciary is independent.

State media reported Saturday that Turkish police had detained 13 people under an investigation concerning the 2023 congress. They face charges of violations of the law for political parties, accepting bribery and cleaning assets gained through criminal acts. / REL