Ankara, May 31:
Thousands of people gathered in Ankara on Saturday to support Turkish opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, whose removal from the leadership of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has sparked political controversy across the country.
Supporters carrying Turkish flags and party banners marched through the capital, chanting slogans in support of Ozel and calling for democratic reforms. Addressing the crowd, Ozel said the issue was not merely about party leadership but about protecting democratic values and the will of party members.
The protest followed a court decision that invalidated the CHP’s 2023 party congress, a move that effectively removed Ozel from the party’s top post.
The ruling has triggered criticism from opposition figures, who argue that the decision undermines internal party democracy. Several opposition leaders and local officials joined the rally, urging party members to remain united and calling for a new congress to resolve the leadership dispute. Demonstrators later marched to key landmarks in the capital as part of the peaceful protest.
The developments have added to political tensions in Turkey, with opposition groups expressing concern over what they describe as increasing pressure on political rivals. The CHP remains one of the country's most influential opposition forces ahead of future electoral contests.
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