Denied entry to HQ, CHP's Çelik says 'our office is the streets'

The headquarters of the Republican People's Party (CHP) in Istanbul has become a focal point of political tension, with police entering the provincial building twice in the past 10 months. Most recently, authorities removed a banner featuring Ekrem İmamoğlu, the imprisoned Istanbul mayor and former presidential candidate.

Özgür Çelik, the elected CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman, found himself barred from entering the party's headquarters. This follows a court decision to appoint a supervisory board and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him, effectively sidelining his leadership. Çelik, who was detained in Silivri, addressed the situation after attending a solidarity meeting and visiting local party offices and businesses.

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Our office is the place in the hearts of the people; our office is the squares, the streets, the markets, the tradespeople.

"Our office is the place in the hearts of the people; our office is the squares, the streets, the markets, the tradespeople," Çelik declared in an interview with ANKA News Agency. He emphasized that the party's leadership has always operated from the ground, connecting with citizens across the country. Çelik criticized the removal of İmamoğlu's banner, interpreting it as a sign of fear from those who previously attempted to suppress İmamoğlu's image and words. He also drew parallels to the alleged "setup" against İmamoğlu in the Silivri courthouse, where his defense rights were reportedly curtailed.

Çelik highlighted the perceived injustice in İmamoğlu's trial, where he faces charges as an "organization leader" based on 143 alleged actions and a 4,000-page indictment, with expectations for a defense within a limited timeframe. He contrasted this with the defense periods granted to others in similar trials. "They are afraid of Ekrem İmamoğlu's voice, his words, his defense," Çelik stated, adding that the removal of his poster demonstrated this fear. The article also notes an upcoming hearing related to the Istanbul Congress at the 45th Civil Court of First Instance.

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They are afraid of Ekrem İmamoğlu's voice, his words, his defense.