Ozgür Özel accused the government of preventing democracy and justice, claiming Erdogan’s administration fears losing elections if fair processes are upheld.

Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel condemned what he described as a judicial coup against the CHP, accusing the government of undermining democracy and hiding its crimes.

Over the past year, Turkey has detained more than 500 opposition figures, including prominent figures like Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, as part of widespread corruption and terrorism investigations.

The Turkish government insists that the judiciary remains independent and denies political motives behind the arrests and legal actions against opposition members.

At a rally, İmamoğlu’s letter was read aloud from prison, with supporters chanting in opposition to the government’s actions and expressing solidarity.

The demonstration took place at Tandogan Square, where protesters waved Turkish flags and wore T-shirts featuring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, emphasizing nationalist sentiments and unity.

During the rally, Özgür Özel questioned President Erdogan’s awareness of the large turnout, with protesters shouting slogans demanding Erdogan’s resignation and highlighting political unrest.

The arrest of İmamoğlu in March sparked Turkey’s largest protests in a decade, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating and causing a sharp decline in Turkish assets, reflecting deep concerns over democratic integrity.

İmamoğlu, in a letter read from prison, accused the government of trying to pre-empt the next election by sidelining legitimate rivals, calling for collective effort over individualism.

Tens of thousands protested in Ankara ahead of a court decision scheduled for September 15, 2025, which could potentially invalidate the CHP’s November 2023 congress results and threaten Özgür Özel’s leadership.

The protests are also a response to a judicial case perceived as an effort to weaken the CHP, which achieved significant victories in 2024 and is gaining popularity against Erdogan’s AKP.