An Ankara court on Thursday annulled the results of Turkey’s main opposition CHP’s 2023 party conference, removing leader Özgür Özel and reinstating Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and voiding party decisions including the nomination of jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The ruling followed a case by former Hatay mayor Lütfü Savaş. Kılıçdaroğlu travelled to CHP headquarters on Sunday and was met by thousands; riot police stormed the building to evict Özel, firing rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters. Inside, Özel tore up a court order demanding he vacate the premises and led demonstrators to parliament, vowing to reclaim the party.

Turkish Cypriot politicians reacted with indignation. Former leader Mustafa Akıncı warned Turkey’s drift toward a one‑man regime threatens Turkish Cypriot democracy and dignity; Serdar Denktash called the moves contrary to law and shameful. Opposition parties CTP and TDP said the decision undermines the rule of law, urging continued joint defence of democracy, human rights and regional stability.