Solidarity with the People of Turkey condemns in the strongest possible terms the Turkish court decision to remove Özgür Özel as leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s main opposition party.
This ruling represents a serious assault on democratic principles and political freedom in Turkey. The leadership of an opposition party must be decided by its members and voters, not through politically driven intervention by the courts.
The decision comes amid an escalating crackdown on democratic opposition in Turkey, including the targeting of elected mayors, journalists, trade unionists, academics and civil society activists. The arrest and persecution of opposition figures such as Ekrem İmamoğlu and the continued erosion of judicial independence demonstrate a dangerous authoritarian trajectory under the Erdoğan government.
We reject the use of the judiciary as a political tool to silence dissent and undermine democratic representation.
As a UK-based solidarity organisation, we call on the British government, parliamentarians, trade unions, human rights organisations and democratic institutions across Europe to speak out clearly and urgently against these developments.
Silence in the face of democratic repression only emboldens authoritarianism.
We stand in solidarity with all those in Turkey fighting for democracy, social justice, freedom of expression and the rule of law. The people of Turkey deserve democratic institutions that reflect the will of the people, not political interference designed to weaken opposition voices.
We call for:
- Respect for democratic processes and political pluralism
- An independent judiciary free from political pressure
- The protection of opposition parties and elected representatives
- The release of political prisoners and those detained for exercising democratic rights
- An immediate end to UK arms sales and military support to Turkey
- International scrutiny of politically motivated prosecutions and judicial interference
The struggle for democracy in Turkey is not isolated. It is part of a wider global struggle against authoritarianism, repression and the erosion of democratic rights.
Solidarity With the People of Turkey stands firmly with all those resisting these attacks on democracy.