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Police enter CHP headquarters to evict Ozel, enforce court order

Turkish riot police stand guard outside the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye, on May 24, 2026. (AA Photo)
May 24, 2026 03:40 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish riot police broke through the iron gate of the Republican People's Party (CHP)'s Ankara headquarters.

The Ankara Governorate earlier confirmed it had ordered security forces to enforce the court ruling.

The Ankara Governorate announced it had ordered the Ankara Directorate of Security to take measures to evacuate the CHP headquarters in line with the court ruling.

Kilicdaroglu's lawyer, Celal Celik, had submitted a petition to the Ankara Security Directorate requesting the formal handover of party headquarters, stating that despite all constructive attempts and MPs' efforts at dialogue, even members of parliament were being denied entry.

Turkish riot police stand guard outside the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Turkish riot police stand guard outside the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Gate broken down, with barricades built with chairs

Riot police arrived and initially attempted to negotiate with CHP MP Murat Emir and others in the garden before proceeding. When the iron gate was broken open at approximately 2:20 p.m., party members inside threw water bottles and glass bottles at the entering officers.

Police used pepper spray on those in the garden and inside the building and entered the building.

Inside the building, some party members tried to build barricades out of chairs and furniture in doorways.

Some MPs and members reportedly poured cleaning liquids, including detergent, on staircases to try to slow officers moving to upper floors.

Reports indicated that the entire 12-story CHP headquarters building had been filled with pepper gas.

Turkish riot police stand guard outside the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Turkish riot police stand guard outside the Republican People's Party (CHP) headquarters in Ankara, on May 24, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Ozel released a video on X from inside headquarters as the police intervention began.

"We will fight to the end. They can take our bodies, but they cannot take our struggle," Ozel said.

Kilicdaroglu had earlier issued a public statement warning against behavior that runs contrary to the party organization's culture and discipline.

"I kindly request that all judicial officials attempting to carry out operations in accordance with the decision issued by the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice, as well as all law enforcement personnel and public officials, comply with the requirements of the court decision," Kilicdaroglu said, according to his press advisor Atakan Sonmez's post on X.

"I kindly request that they refrain from any actions or behaviors contrary to the organizational culture and discipline. Necessary measures will be taken regarding those who act contrary to these instructions," he said.

MP Murat Emir had said earlier in the day that he had met with the Interior Minister around noon and that the meeting was productive, with the minister expressing that police should not forcibly enter general headquarters.

May 24, 2026 04:44 PM GMT+03:00
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