Turkish riot police have forcibly removed members of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) from its headquarters in Ankara, escalating a growing political crisis in Türkiye.

The operation followed a court decision that annulled the party congress held in 2023, in which Özgür Özel was elected leader, citing alleged irregularities.

The court ruling effectively removed Özel from his position and reinstated former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who previously lost a national election to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.On Sunday, police used tear gas and entered the building after breaking through barricades, leading to tense scenes inside the headquarters.Supporters and party members reportedly resisted the eviction by shouting and throwing objects, although no injuries were reported.Ankara’s governor had ordered the removal of those occupying the building, prompting the police intervention.Following the eviction, Özel publicly condemned the situation, calling it a ‘judicial coup’ and urging supporters to continue their resistance.

He later led a march with supporters towards the Turkish parliament in Ankara, where thousands gathered in protest and chanted slogans against the reinstated leadership and the government.Özel also declared that the party would continue its struggle in public spaces until its headquarters was effectively reclaimed.The CHP leadership has announced plans for further protests in Istanbul, while internal party divisions continue to deepen.

Analysts have described the court ruling and subsequent police action as a significant test of democratic institutions in Türkiye, a NATO member state.Financial markets reacted negatively to the developments, reflecting investor concerns about political instability, though some recovery followed.The Turkish government maintains that the judiciary operates independently and denies political interference.

The dispute has raised broader concerns about democratic backsliding and could influence the country’s political trajectory ahead of future elections.