Turkiye’s political tensions deepened after riot police stormed the headquarters of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara following a controversial court ruling overturning the election of party leader Özgür Özel. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds as clashes erupted outside the building between rival supporters. The appeal court reinstated veteran politician Kemal Kilicdaroğlu, who lost the 2023 presidential election to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Özel has vowed to resist the decision, which opposition figures say further strengthens Erdoğan’s control over the country. Human Rights Watch warned the move undermines Turkish democracy and reflects growing pressure on opposition voices. The unrest comes amid wider concerns over democratic freedoms in Turkiye, including the imprisonment of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, regarded by many as Erdoğan’s strongest political challenger ahead of future presidential elections.