Turkish Police Storm Opposition Party HQ with Tear Gas

Police Raid CHP Headquarters in Istanbul

Turkish riot police forcefully entered the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in Istanbul on Monday, deploying pepper spray and tear gas against party members who had barricaded themselves inside. The dramatic raid marks the latest escalation in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's crackdown on political opponents.

Legal Battle Over Party Leadership

The confrontation stems from a Turkish court ruling last week that invalidated the results of the CHP's 2023 party congress, citing "irregularities in delegate elections." The court removed the Istanbul CHP leadership and appointed former vice-chair Canan Kaftancioglu as interim chair, though the party's current leadership refuses to recognize the decision.

"This is clearly a government attempt to sideline the country's main opposition party," said political analyst Ahmet Kasim. "The pattern of targeting CHP officials has been systematic and escalating."

Political Context and Crackdown

The CHP, Turkey's oldest political party founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, has been the main opposition to Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) since 2002. Recent months have seen hundreds of CHP members arrested, including several mayors and prominent figures.

In March 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a CHP member and potential presidential challenger to Erdogan, was arrested on corruption and terrorism charges. Opposition figures claim these arrests are politically motivated, while the government maintains they follow legal procedures.

Internet Restrictions and International Concern

During the raid, Turkish authorities restricted access to social media platforms including X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, limiting citizens' ability to share information about the events. Internet monitoring groups reported significant throttling of social media traffic throughout the day.

International human rights organizations have expressed concern about Turkey's democratic backsliding. Human Rights Watch recently documented increasing restrictions on political opposition and freedom of assembly in the country.

"The use of police force against a legitimate political opposition party represents a dangerous erosion of democratic norms," stated European Parliament member Kati Piri.

The political tension is expected to continue as another court ruling regarding CHP leadership is anticipated next Monday, potentially affecting current party chair Özgür Özel's position.