Unrest in Istanbul: Exploring the Controversy Surrounding Protest Prohibition, Trustee Appointment, and Congress Dispute

The 45th Civil Court of First Instance has ruled to remove the CHP Istanbul provincial leadership due to alleged irregularities in delegate elections during the party's 38th Ordinary Congress. Yusuf Karadaş has taken over as the provisional leader, following the decision made at the beginning of September 2025.

The ruling has led to increased political tension in Istanbul, with some party members potentially facing prison terms due to the allegations made. The court cited claims of bribery, unauthorized venue, and an unlawful increase in delegate numbers as grounds for the decision.

In response to the political unrest, the Istanbul Governor's Office announced a ban on all rallies, marches, press statements, and similar events in several districts from Sept. 7 to 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 10. The affected districts include Besiktas, Beyoglu, Eyupsultan, Kagithane, Sariyer, and Sisli.

Police have tightened security around the CHP provincial headquarters in Istanbul, with roads leading to the building blocked and entry restricted. Reports have emerged that CHP lawmakers were denied access to the headquarters, sparking public criticism.

The CHP Central Executive Board has called for an emergency meeting to discuss next steps, while the CHP Youth Branch has called for a demonstration under the slogan "shoulder to shoulder." Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya issued a warning against ignoring court decisions and calling citizens to the streets, stating it would constitute a defiance of the law.

The CHP leadership has denounced the decision as an attack on democracy, with Ozgur Celik, the leader elected during the Istanbul provincial congress held on Oct. 8, 2023, expressing his disapproval. Gursel Tekin and a four-member committee, appointed as temporary trustees by the court, will formally assume their roles on Sept. 8.

Yerlikaya emphasized that the state will act decisively against any unlawful attempts to disturb public order or the peace of citizens. The CHP officials and their supporters have vowed to continue their fight for democratic principles, promising to challenge the court's decision in the coming days. The exact course of action remains uncertain as the political dispute unfolds.

Unrest in Istanbul: Exploring the Controversy Surrounding Protest Prohibition, Trustee Appointment, and Congress Dispute