Istanbul in Turmoil: Internet Throttled After Clashes at Opposition Party Headquarters
ISTANBUL — Chaos erupted in Istanbul as Turkish authorities enforced widespread internet throttling for 12 hours on Sunday in the aftermath of clashes between police and opposition supporters. The violence ensued as demonstrators tried to prevent a government-appointed trustee from seizing control of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul headquarters.
Protests and Pepper Spray
The restrictions hit popular platforms like YouTube, X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, leaving users across the country frustrated. Turkish security forces resorted to using pepper spray to disperse CHP demonstrators in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, sparking outrage among opposition supporters.
Standoff at CHP Headquarters
For days, the CHP Istanbul headquarters in the northern parts of the city have been a battleground. Supporters of the party have surrounded the building, determined to block trustee Gürsel Tekin from taking over the party’s provincial administration.
Political Intrigue
Tekin, a veteran of the CHP, was appointed by the government to replace Özgür Çelik, who was democratically elected in a provincial congress in September 2023. As negotiations continue, internet access remains patchy across Turkey.
Government Crackdown
In a series of controversial moves, the Turkish government has targeted the main opposition party. The detention of Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu in mid-March triggered a wave of arrests of CHP members.
Leadership Struggles
Amidst the chaos, there are rumors of a plan to reinstall former CHP president Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, potentially replacing current leader Özgür Özel. A trial is set to determine Kılıçdaroğlu’s fate in mid-September, with the potential for further division within the party.
Future Uncertainty
With CHP delegates preparing for an extraordinary congress in September, the party faces a pivotal moment. While defections to the ruling AK party have rocked CHP, current leader Özel remains the frontrunner in the party’s leadership race.
As tensions escalate and political maneuvering intensifies, the future of Turkey’s main opposition party hangs in the balance. — Euronews
