Mansur Yavaş Slams CHP Blockade: “Without Rule of Law, There is No Democracy”

The police blockade around the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul Provincial Headquarters has drawn another strong rebuke—this time from Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş. In a statement posted on social media, Yavaş condemned the restriction that prevented party members from entering their own headquarters, framing it as a direct assault on both democracy and the rule of law.

“What Justification Can There Be?”

Yavaş questioned the legality of the blockade in stark terms:
“How can it be justified that party members are not allowed into their own provincial headquarters, which is our own party building? What decision could possibly provide the basis for this?”

His remarks follow a court ruling that installed Gürsel Tekin as trustee of CHP’s Istanbul branch, triggering widespread protests. The Istanbul Governor’s Office subsequently banned all demonstrations in central districts from September 7–10, and police surrounded the party building in response to calls for a gathering outside.

“Democracy Gains Meaning Through the Rule of Law”

In his post, Yavaş emphasized that democracy cannot function without the supremacy of law:
“I will never stop repeating this: Democracy only has meaning if the rule of law and fundamental rights are guaranteed. The principle of the rule of law requires all state institutions to act free of arbitrariness, bound by the constitution and laws.”

By directly linking democracy and legal accountability, Yavaş sought to highlight what he sees as a fundamental breakdown in Turkey’s governance.

Warning on Democratic Standards

Yavaş also drew attention to the universal standards of a functioning democracy:
“In a real democracy, the judiciary is independent, the press is free, and citizens’ rights are untouchable. It must never be forgotten: without the rule of law, there is no democracy, and without democracy, there can be no rule of law.”

This statement echoes long-standing concerns that Turkey is drifting away from international democratic norms, where the separation of powers and civil liberties are critical pillars.

Opposition Rallies Around CHP Headquarters

Yavaş’s remarks add to the growing list of opposition leaders condemning the blockade. Detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan have already spoken out, framing the intervention as unlawful and undemocratic.

The heavy police presence, use of tear gas against demonstrators, and detention of several citizens have intensified the controversy, fueling public debate about freedom of assembly and the use of state power against opposition parties.

Mansur Yavaş’s statement reinforces the narrative that the blockade of CHP’s Istanbul headquarters is more than a partisan dispute—it is increasingly framed as a national struggle over democracy and the rule of law.

As opposition leaders call for unity and demand accountability, the government’s response will determine whether this standoff escalates further into a broader political crisis.

For now, the message from Yavaş is unequivocal: “Without rule of law, there can be no democracy—and without democracy, there can be no rule of law.”