CHP Congress Trial Postponed Again: Court Requests Larger Hall for Heated Hearing

The legal battle over the Republican People’s Party (CHP) congresses has taken a new procedural turn. The Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance, overseeing the lawsuit demanding the annulment of both the 38th Ordinary Congress held on November 4–5, 2023, and the 21st Extraordinary Congress held on April 6, 2025, has requested a larger courtroom for the upcoming hearing scheduled on October 24. The court’s formal letter to the Ankara Judicial Commission Presidency cited previous hearings where space constraints had caused serious disruptions. The judges emphasized that the case attracts numerous lawyers, party representatives, and members of the press, making it impossible to accommodate all attendees in the existing courtroom.

A Crowded Case Drawing National Attention

The court’s request letter stated, “Considering the high number of lawyers and journalists following the case, the current courtroom is inadequate. It is requested that a larger hall be designated at either the Ankara Courthouse Main Building or the No. 1 Annex.” The court’s move highlights how the lawsuit—originally filed over alleged procedural violations in CHP’s 2023 congress—has grown into one of the most closely watched political legal cases in Türkiye. Both party lawyers and opposing delegates have reportedly supported the request for a larger hearing room to ensure transparency and order during the upcoming session.

Background: From Political Stage to Courtroom

The case dates back to an investigation launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, following allegations of irregularities during the 38th CHP Congress. Former Hatay Mayor Lütfü Savaş and several party delegates filed separate lawsuits demanding the annulment of the congress results, which were later consolidated on February 14 under the jurisdiction of the 42nd Civil Court of First Instance.

A Series of Postponements

The court first convened the case on June 30, but adjourned proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal over a jurisdictional dispute in a related criminal case. The hearing was initially rescheduled for September 8, but CHP’s legal team submitted a formal request to delay the session once more. Their justification referenced the party’s founding anniversary week between September 4–9, noting that the CHP Charter’s Article 86 mandates organizational events during that period. Accepting this reasoning, the court postponed the hearing to September 15. The most recent decision to hold the next hearing on October 24—in a larger courtroom—signals both the sensitivity and high public interest surrounding the case.

Legal and Political Implications

At the heart of the dispute are claims of procedural irregularities, including delegate registration and voting practices during the 2023 congress. While the court has not yet addressed the substantive arguments, legal experts suggest the outcome could have far-reaching implications for internal party democracy and election transparency within Türkiye’s oldest political party. The case also underscores growing scrutiny over intraparty governance at a time when the CHP is positioning itself as the country’s leading opposition force.

Anticipation Ahead of the October Hearing

The upcoming hearing on October 24 at 10:00 a.m. is expected to draw significant attendance from party members, lawyers, journalists, and political observers. Given the logistical challenges of previous sessions, the Ankara Court’s call for a larger hall was viewed as a pragmatic move to avoid crowding and potential disruptions. Both sides have been preparing extensive documentation and witness statements, and the session may finally set the tone for whether the congress results will stand or face judicial annulment.