Breaking News... Police intervention with water cannons begins at Özgür Özel's rally
Police intervention has begun ahead of the first rally to be held in İzmir by Özgür Özel, who is reported to have been removed from his position as CHP Chairman by a court decision. Water cannons are being used against citizens moving toward the area, and tear gas has also been deployed.
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The activity in the CHP, which began with a "null and void" ruling, continued with party leader Özgür Özel's rally preparations in İzmir. While Republican People's Party (CHP) İzmir Provincial Chairman Çağatay Güç announced that Özel would arrive in the city today, he called on the citizens of İzmir to gather at Cumhuriyet Square at 12:00.
However, the İzmir Governor's Office stated that Cumhuriyet Square was not considered suitable for the planned rally. Governor's office officials explained that the square's capacity might only be suitable for a limited number of participants and suggested that the event be held at Gündoğdu Square.
Following this, the entrances and exits to the square were closed with barriers, and a large number of water cannon vehicles (TOMA) and detention vehicles were dispatched to the area. The CHP, however, announced that there would be no change in the rally's location and officially notified the relevant authorities that the program would be held at Cumhuriyet Square.
INTERVENTION BEGINS
The police, who did not intervene as the crowd gathered to attend the rally entered the area, have begun to intervene against the citizens with pressurized water.
Özgür Özel: “We go wherever the people are waiting for us.”
CHP leader Özgür Özel made statements ahead of the rally to be held in İzmir.
Özgür Özel said, "There is no planned rally. We will celebrate the holiday with party members. They got scared and surrounded the square. There is no need for such things. We go wherever the people are waiting for us. Today is not that day. They still cannot comprehend it. If the people want something, that is what democracy is; that thing happens," he said.
Özel made the following statements:
If you turn to other paths when you lose an election, it will have no resonance with the people. I draw my strength not from an office or a building, but from my belief in the people. The loneliness of trustees, nullities, and dictators is unlike any other loneliness. The enthusiasm of those who act with the people cannot be blocked in any way. We will celebrate the holiday wherever the people of İzmir are; let's see where they are.
(Regarding the operation against Güzelbahçe Municipality) We expect him to be brought before the prosecutor's office quickly. The question to be asked to a mayor is clear. If you are detaining a mayor in the morning, the action you are taking is political.
Güzelbahçe was the one with the highest satisfaction rating in İzmir. Mayor Mustafa and his dear wife lost their children. Their 30-year-old children. Their 5-year-old granddaughter is entrusted to them. They detained his wife along with him.
ÖZEL TO MAKE A STATEMENT IN FRONT OF THE BARRIERS
CHP leader Özgür Özel is expected to make a press statement in front of the barriers.