Turkish Police Raid Opposition Party Headquarters

It happened on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 4:59 am.

Police entered the Republican People's Party headquarters in Ankara.

In short, the police took action.

Turkish police raided the main opposition party's headquarters, using tear gas and rubber bullets.

This ended a three-day standoff after a court ordered new leadership.

Critics say the courts and police are trying to stop political opposition.

Police stormed the opposition party's offices, using tear gas and rubber bullets.

This was a violent end to a standoff between party members and a new leadership team.

Footage showed riot police and tear gas inside the building.

Supporters tried to resist with fire extinguishers, but were stopped. Doors and windows were damaged.

Ozgur Ozel led a march after the raid.

Ozgur Ozel was inside the building when the police raided.

Ozel said they would leave the building, but return to reclaim it.

He said that when they return, the administration will not dare to interfere again.

Ozel and his supporters marched towards the parliament building.

The raid happened after authorities ordered the party's leadership to be removed.

'Til the end.

Tension rose after an appeals court nullified Ozel's election as party leader.

The court said Ozel should be replaced by Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

Ozel had led the party to a big win in the 2024 municipal polls.

Riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets against party officials and supporters.

The opposition says the decision was politically motivated to weaken the party.

Ozel posted a video saying they were under attack for trying to make the party strong.

The next presidential election is not due until 2028, but Erdogan can call an early vote.

Erdogan is accused of cracking down on political opposition.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a CHP member, has been imprisoned since March last year.

Many observers say the legal cases against the CHP are aimed at neutralizing the party.

The government says the courts are impartial and independent.

Most of the party has rallied behind Ozel.

Ozel and most of the party had been inside the headquarters since Thursday's ruling.

The rival teams were supposed to meet to find a way out of the impasse.

A crowd gathered outside the office, watched by a growing police presence.

Ozel said those outside had been sent to intimidate CHP members.

Kilicdaroglu's lawyer asked the police to help vacate the building.

The police raid happened at the start of a nine-day holiday.

Erdogan has ruled Turkey since 2003.

In 2019, the CHP won control of several major cities in local elections.

Imamoglu emerged as a popular figure who could challenge Erdogan.

Monday, May 25, 2026, at 4:59 am.

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