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politics1d ago
Turkish police fire teargas to break up protest after opposition leader ousted
Theguardian.com and 1 more
- Riot police in Izmir dispersed a midday rally led by Ozgur Ozel using tear gas and water cannons, amid a broader leadership dispute within Turkey's main opposition CHP.
- The Izmir protest occurred as Eid al-Adha preparations began, with authorities closing Cumhuriyet Square and deploying riot police to break up crowds.
- The rally in Izmir followed a court ruling that intensified the CHP leadership dispute by nullifying Ozgur Ozel's 2023 party chair election.
- Ozel urged a rapid party congress and challenged Kilicdaroglu to a primary, signaling a fast-tracked leadership process ahead of Eid.
- Ozel framed the fight as a public contest between the people and Erdogan, portraying the conflict as a struggle over Turkey's political pluralism.
- Security forces blocked Cumhuriyet Square in Izmir, deploying riot police and water cannon to deter public gatherings during Eid coverage.
- The episode is part of a broader pattern of moves against the CHP since the 2023 primary decision, affecting Turkey's oldest opposition party ahead of elections.
- Ozel accused Erdogan of weakening Turkey's political pluralism by imprisoning rivals, arguing the opposition could defeat him if allowed to compete.
- Clashes at CHP headquarters in Ankara intensified as security forces moved to eject party members amid ongoing leadership coverage.
- The Guardian highlighted Erdogan's tightening grip ahead of elections, noting the next vote is shaping political dynamics in Turkey.
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