Story perspectives

Ankara Court Overturns CHP Leadership, Restores Kiliçdaroglu

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Ankara appeals court annulled the 2023 CHP leadership contest, removed Özgür Özel and reinstated Kemal Kiliçdaroglu.
The CHP told senior members to meet at its Ankara headquarters after the ruling.
Human Rights Watch said the mass trial of 400 CHP officials, including former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, weaponises the justice system.
Despite arrests, the party is preparing to run in next year’s presidential election after thousands protested Imamoglu’s detention.

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Story summary

An Ankara appeals court annulled the 2023 CHP leadership contest, removed Özgür Özel and reinstated Kemal Kiliçdaroglu.
The CHP told senior members to meet at its Ankara headquarters after the ruling.
Human Rights Watch said the mass trial of 400 CHP officials, including former Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, weaponises the justice system.
Despite arrests, the party is preparing to run in next year’s presidential election after thousands protested Imamoglu’s detention.