Turkish Police Storm Opposition Party Headquarters, Expel Ousted Leader Ozgur Ozal

Turkey's political tensions reached a critical point on Sunday when riot police stormed the headquarters of the Republican People's Party, the nation's primary opposition force, deploying tear gas to remove Ozgur Ozal and his followers from the building.

Footage from the scene captured thick clouds of tear gas filling the party offices as occupants screamed and hurled objects toward the entrance while police broke through barriers at the building's access point. The exact number of those injured during the violent confrontation remained unclear in the immediate aftermath.

The police intervention followed a Thursday court decision to remove Ozal from his position and invalidate the results of the 2023 Republican People's Party congress where he was elected, citing procedural irregularities that officials claimed compromised the voting process. The Ankara governor had issued an evacuation order earlier that Sunday morning.

During the police action, Ozal posted a video message on the X platform stating, "We are under attack." After departing the building, he addressed assembled media and cheering supporters, vowing that "the Republican People's Party will from now on be in the streets and squares seeking power."

Ozal then led hundreds of his backers toward the Turkish Parliament, accompanied by substantial contingents of riot police. The party's remaining leadership rejected the court's decision, characterizing it as a "judicial coup." Ozal indicated his intention to pursue legal remedies while committing to remain present "day and night" at the party's Ankara headquarters.

On Saturday, prior to the police action, Ozal had called for an immediate party conference. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, however, indicated the conference would occur "at the appropriate time."

Separately, state media announced that Turkish authorities had taken 13 individuals into custody related to investigations surrounding the 2023 party conference, with charges involving violations of political parties legislation, bribery, and money laundering.