CHP protests in Silivri, chairman accuses AK Party judiciary of manipulation

CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik led a protest march in Silivri, Turkey, on July 16, 2026, under the banner "Livelihood, Freedom, Justice, Election." The demonstration saw party members marching with slogans such as "Free Istanbul, Free Turkey" and "Law, Law, Justice."

Çelik directed sharp criticism at the ruling AK Party's judiciary, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the Republican People's Party (CHP). "You were not elected through democratic means. Now, by hiding behind the decisions of the AK Party judiciary, you want to design the CHP," Çelik stated, protesting against recent decisions to remove elected party officials.

He questioned the frequent dismissals of provincial chairmen, arguing that even if there were legal challenges related to the party congress, there was no justification for removing elected women's branch leaders, provincial chairmen, or youth branch leaders. Çelik asserted that these actions stem from a fear of democratic processes, as those making the decisions did not come to power through congresses or by winning elections.

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You were not elected through democratic means. Now, by hiding behind the decisions of the AK Party judiciary, you want to design the CHP.