CHP calls protest over Istanbul siege

Turkey's main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has called on citizens in Istanbul to gather in protest against police barricades surrounding its headquarters, which party leader Özgür Özel described as a "siege." This escalation follows a months-long legal crackdown on the CHP, which has seen hundreds of its members targeted, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, whose arrest sparked significant street protests.

The latest legal actions against the CHP began with a court ruling that removed the party's Istanbul provincial head over alleged irregularities during a 2023 congress. The CHP has denied all accusations, claiming the legal measures are politically motivated attempts to weaken the opposition and eliminate electoral threats to President Tayyip Erdoğan.

In response to the court's decision, Özel urged supporters to demonstrate against the crackdown and the police measures restricting access to the headquarters. He emphasized the importance of protecting the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The police presence intensified as they surrounded the provincial office, blocking access and deploying riot units.

The Istanbul Governor's Office announced a ban on all demonstrations in several districts, warning that participation in illegal gatherings could lead to legal consequences. CHP members, including lawmakers, have recorded videos expressing outrage over the police actions and calling for public support, asserting that access to their office is a fundamental right.

The CHP has faced increasing pressure from judicial proceedings, including lawsuits over alleged irregularities during its congress and corruption investigations targeting municipalities it controls. İmamoğlu has been in pretrial detention since March, and numerous mayors from CHP-controlled cities have been suspended.

These developments reflect a broader crackdown on the CHP, with critics arguing that the government's actions aim to neutralize opposition ahead of upcoming elections. The situation has been exacerbated by reports of throttled internet access across Turkey, hindering communication among dissenters.