Istanbul Court Removes CHP Provincial Leadership, Cites Legal Concerns
Istanbul, Turkey - In a move sparking political debate, an Istanbul court on September 2, 2025, dismissed the leadership of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul Provincial branch, including its chairman and board members. The court appointed a provisional committee too replace the elected officials, citing concerns under the Provincial Administration Law. The decision raises questions about political freedoms and the independence of judicial processes ahead of potential elections.
The Istanbul Governorship justified the intervention by referencing Articles (a) and (c) of Article 11 of Provincial Administration Law no. 5442 and 2911. Authorities warned that calls for illegal gatherings or demonstrations constitute a crime and could disrupt social peace, urging citizens to act with reason and respect for the law. The move follows increasing scrutiny of CHP activities and comes amid a broader context of government restrictions on opposition groups.
Davut Gül, a member of the ruling AK Party, announced the court’s decision on Twitter, stating the provisional board had been appointed.
“With the interim decision of the Istanbul 45th civil Court of First Instance dated 02/09/2025, the Republican People’s Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman, Provincial Board of Directors and Provincial Disciplinary Board were dismissed; It was decided to appoint the Provisional Board rather,” Gül tweeted on September 7, 2025.
The court’s decision grants the appointed provisional committee all the powers previously held by the elected CHP leadership, including disciplinary authority. Authorities warned that obstructing the committee’s work would be subject to criminal penalties.The CHP has yet to issue a thorough response, but the move is expected to fuel further tensions between the government and the main opposition party.
