CHP’s Özgür Özel Warns of “Historical Breaking Point” Amid Intensifying Legal Pressure on Party Mayors

DÜZCE — On the same morning that several new legal operations were launched against CHP-led municipalities, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel addressed supporters at a rally in Düzce, warning that Turkey stands at a “historical breaking point.”

The day began with another wave of detentions as part of the ongoing operations targeting opposition-controlled municipalities. Notifications reaching political journalists early in the day revealed that 47 individuals had been taken into custody across four separate investigations, including three sitting district mayors from Istanbul: Hasan Akgün (Büyükçekmece), Hakan Bahçetepe (Gaziosmanpaşa), and Utku Caner Çaykara (Avcılar).

These detentions followed a series of earlier arrests, including Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, both charged under terror-related allegations linked to alleged local political coalitions. Other detained mayors include Beşiktaş’s Rıza Akpolat (charged with corruption and unlawful enrichment), Beykoz’s Alaattin Köseler (accused of bid rigging), and Beylikdüzü’s Mehmet Murat Çalık (charged with extortion-related offenses).

If the mayors taken into custody in the most recent wave are also remanded, a total of eight CHP district mayors in Istanbul alone will have been removed from office or imprisoned under various legal pretexts since the March 2024 local elections.

CHP’s Rising Power Meets Legal Clampdown

The detentions have sparked concern due to the political backdrop. In the 2024 local elections, CHP became Turkey’s largest party nationwide and dramatically expanded its control in Istanbul, winning 26 of the city’s 39 municipalities — up from 14 in 2019. Among the newly captured districts were Beykoz and Gaziosmanpaşa, both now embroiled in legal probes.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who defeated his AKP opponent by a margin of 11.6 points, has been a central figure in this political shift. Critics question the timing and scope of the investigations, especially considering that no similar legal action has been pursued against AKP mayors removed by presidential decree in past years, some of whom were never formally charged.

Operation Highlights Alleged Political Targeting

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has linked the latest round of detentions to the so-called “Aziz İhsan Aktaş criminal organization.” While the organization’s alleged ringleader has admitted guilt and cooperated with authorities, he reportedly also worked with several AKP and MHP municipalities, including in Trabzon, Kahramanmaraş, Elazığ, and Isparta — raising questions about selective enforcement.

Additional arrests in the same operation included Adana’s Ceyhan Mayor Kadir Aydar and Seyhan Mayor Oya Tekin. Ovacık’s Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül had already been suspended following a court ruling. Former MPs, municipal executives, and CHP Party Assembly members are also either detained or under investigation.

These developments come ahead of a politically sensitive court case on June 30 that could open the path to government-appointed trustees in CHP municipalities — a possibility that looms large over the party’s future.

Özgür Özel: “We Are At A Historic Crossroads”

Against this tense political backdrop, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel arrived at the Düzce rally aboard the party campaign bus, joined by his close staff and Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş. Before taking the stage, Özel spoke to journalists in a working lounge at the rear of the bus.

Responding to questions about the morning’s events, Özel stated bluntly: “What we are witnessing is not a judicial process but a political operation by the ruling AKP. And everyone is aware of this.”

When asked about the party’s next steps, he declared: “We are at a historical breaking point. Either they will convince this nation of their lies, slanders, and traps to maintain power, or the people will stand by their March 31 decision and force the government to retreat.”

He emphasized a strategy of perseverance: “We will continue our struggle — not by slowing down, but by accelerating. We will not tire, we will not lose morale, and we will trust in the justice of our cause.”

A Charged Atmosphere in Düzce

The Düzce rally venue had previously hosted CHP’s 2023 presidential campaign just days before that year’s elections, featuring Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Ekrem İmamoğlu. The crowd on this occasion, however, was visibly larger and more energized, especially among women and youth. Chants of “Justice, law, rights!” resonated powerfully.

Düzce remains a stronghold for the AKP and President Erdoğan, who secured 68.6% of the vote in the 2023 presidential elections. Still, CHP’s support in the province rose from 14.5% in 2018 to 22.5% in the latest general elections.

A Politician Who Embraces the Streets

Özel has emerged as one of the most active street-level politicians in Turkey today. On weekdays, he tours Istanbul districts; on weekends, he visits provinces. Following Düzce, he is scheduled to appear in Antalya.

In his rally speech, he noted that the government had essentially told him to “leave the streets, go back to your party office,” warning that street activity could lead to his political downfall. Özel defiantly responded: “Those threatening me from afar, those who unleashed agents provocateurs against us in public squares, those issuing false security threats to suppress turnout — this child would have been scared of you if he weren’t sitting in the seat of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.”

Security and Resolve Amidst Political Tension

Security around Özel has been significantly increased following previous threats, making even press access a challenge. Yet the atmosphere inside the CHP campaign bus reflected determination. As the vehicle moved through Düzce’s streets, Özel and his team discussed strategy and public sentiment.

The moment remains one of the most challenging in Turkey’s democratic history. However, the enduring faith in democracy and civic resistance remains a powerful force — a point both Özel and his supporters continue to emphasize.

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