Riot police forced their way into the headquarters of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara on May 24, 2026, after the Ankara governor ordered enforcement of a court ruling that removed party leader Özgür Özel and reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
Police used tear gas as they breached barricades set up inside the building, where supporters had blocked entrances with furniture and shouted slogans as officers entered. Clouds of gas filled the reception areas as police advanced through the headquarters.
The confrontation followed a decision issued on May 21 by an appeals court that annulled the CHP’s 2023 leadership election, citing alleged irregularities and naming Kılıçdaroğlu as interim leader. Party members aligned with Özel had remained inside the building for days, resisting the ruling and calling it politically motivated.
Footage from inside showed supporters attempting to slow police with fire extinguishers before officers cleared the area. Doors, windows, and furniture were damaged during the operation. Journalists inside the building were removed as police secured the premises.
Özel, who had been served the court order in his office, exited the building to cheers from supporters gathered outside. He said the party would continue its struggle in public spaces and later marched toward the Turkish parliament with a crowd of supporters.
Human Rights Watch described the court ruling and subsequent police action as a damaging blow to democratic norms in Turkey. The government maintains that courts act independently.
Sources
- RTÉ Ireland
- Mint
- SFGATE
- Turkish Minute