Amnesty International reacts to CHP ruling: Rule of law and human rights must be respected

Amnesty International has reacted to the Ankara Regional Court of Justice's ruling concerning the CHP's November 2023 convention and subsequent conventions. The organization stated that the decision raises serious concerns regarding the rule of law, judicial independence, and freedom of expression and association in Turkey.

The statement noted that this decision comes at a time when pressure on the opposition, elected representatives, and municipal officials has intensified following the arrest of CHP's presidential candidate and Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025.

Undoubtedly, the recent increase in repression marks a turning point in Turkey. Authorities must act immediately to pull the country back from this dangerous precipice, put an immediate end to the crackdown on political opposition and dissidents, and protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.

Amnesty International called on Turkish authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law. The statement emphasized that the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly must be respected and protected, and that judicial independence must be restored.

CONVENTION CASE AND POLICE INTERVENTION

According to the information provided in the statement, the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance rejected the lawsuit filed for the annulment of the CHP's November 2023 convention in October 2025. The court stated that some applicants lacked the standing to sue and that Özgür Özel's leadership had been confirmed in subsequent elections. The 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice overturned this decision; it was stated that the ruling was issued with the right to appeal to the Court of Cassation.

The organization also drew attention to the police intervention at the CHP Headquarters on Sunday, May 24, during the implementation process of the ruling. The statement noted that law enforcement officers used tear gas inside the building and fired water cannons at the crowd gathered outside.

Amnesty International stated that the use of tear gas in enclosed or restricted areas where individuals cannot safely disperse is unlawful and could be considered torture or ill-treatment. It was also noted that the use of water cannons must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability.

The statement also addressed the trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu and numerous others, which has begun at the Marmara Prison in Silivri. Amnesty International argued that the comprehensive indictment, the large number of defendants, the testimonies of secret witnesses, and the volume of the case file create serious concerns regarding a fair trial, including the right to an effective defense.

The organization called for the immediate and unconditional release of individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights, the dropping of charges against them, and an end to the crackdown on political opposition.