CHP Izmir leadership dispute erupts into violence; officials report assault

A leadership dispute within the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Izmir escalated into physical violence, resulting in injuries to two prominent female party officials. The incident occurred as Utku Gümrükçü, who was appointed as the new provincial chairman, attempted to enter the party building.

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Absolute nullity decision after the appointed Utku Gümrükçü and his friends, along with many people we don't know, tried to enter our provincial leadership building. During this, a scuffle occurred. They tried to go upstairs, and we tried to prevent them. At the entrance, Utku Gümrükçü pushed our female friend, who is a Konak Municipality Council Member, to the ground.

Zahide Kurun, the CHP Izmir Provincial Women's Branch Chair, described a chaotic scene where Gümrükçü and an unidentified group tried to force their way into the building. She reported that Gümrükçü pushed a female colleague to the ground and that she herself was punched in the shoulder, receiving a significant bruise. Kurun also expressed distress over the damage to party photographs, including those of the party leader Özgür Özel and a picture of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which she said was torn apart.

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My shoulder was bruised, and I also obtained a medical report for it.

Simge Tokgöz, a Konak Municipality Council Member, also sustained injuries, described as abrasions on her left arm. She stated that Gümrükçü had apologized to her, but she rejected the apology, emphasizing her status as an elected official in contrast to his appointed position. Both Kurun and Tokgöz have obtained medical reports documenting their injuries and plan to pursue legal action.

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We saw the photographs of our General Chairman Özgür Özel being taken down and stepped on. We even saw the photograph of the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a souvenir from Anıtkabir, being torn to pieces on the floor. These were very sad events.

Kurun confirmed that she will file a complaint and follow through with the legal process. The incident highlights internal party conflicts and the physical altercations that can arise from them. The damage to party symbols and photographs adds a layer of symbolic insult to the physical assault.

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Utku Bey apologized to me. As I said before, I am an elected council member. I do not consider appointed people. I do not accept his apology either. I am very disturbed by what happened.