Turkish Police Storm Opposition Party’s Offices to Remove Leader
25th May 2026
Riot police stormed the offices of Turkey’s main opposition party to remove its leader following a three-day stand-off.
Officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Republican People’s Party (CHP) supporters and officials as they moved in to enforce a court order that forced the removal of Özgür Özel. They then broke through heavy gates to enter the party’s HQ in Ankara.
Supporters had attempted to resist police by spraying them with fire extinguishers, but were quickly overcome. Doors, furniture and ground-floor windows were smashed in the raid on Sunday.
Mr Özel, who was elected as party leader in November 2023 but removed by an appeals court ruling, left the building to cheers and applause from supporters outside.
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