Turkish police storm CHP's Istanbul office as clashes erupt with lawmakers
Scuffles have erupted inside and outside the CHP’s Istanbul headquarters following last week’s dismissal of the party’s provincial head and 10 people have been detained.
ANKARA — Istanbul police stormed the headquarters of the country’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Monday, using pepper spray as they escorted court-appointed trustees inside, sparking scuffles with lawmakers.
Tensions had been escalating since Sunday night, when police blocked streets around the CHP’s Istanbul headquarters following an Istanbul court ruling that dismissed branch head Ozgur Celik and his team in an ongoing trial over alleged vote-buying during the party’s October 2023 convention. The court appointed former CHP member Gursel Tekin as interim head. CHP officials and government critics described the ruling as part of a broader politically motivated crackdown aimed at weakening the party.
Protesters gathered outside the building, chanting “shame on you,” while police used pepper spray to disperse members trying to block Tekin’s entry. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called the barricades a “siege” and urged supporters to join street demonstrations. Hundreds protested Sunday night and into Monday.
Polis eşliğinde il binasına giren Gürsel Tekin'e "Yazıklar olsun" sloganları atıldı
— Medyascope (@medyascope) September 8, 2025
Yurttaşlar Tekin'in polisle binaya girmesine "Sen ancak buraya böyle girersin" diyerek tepki gösterdi
Gelişmeler canlı aktarım sayfamızda: https://t.co/KiK9Kc5Gy8 pic.twitter.com/HJtkGam11m
Turkish authorities restricted access to major social media platforms including X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram on Sunday night, and on Monday Istanbul police said 10 people had been detained for allegedly sharing provocative or disinformation-laden content, part of an investigation involving 39 individuals.
