Turkey's shifting sands: opposition in crisis, journalists silenced, and rights under siege

July 3, 2025

Turkey's democratic institutions face significant challenges as the state intensifies pressure on political opposition, media, and civil liberties. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is embroiled in a leadership crisis through a court case that could nullify their 2023 congress that elected Özgür Özel as leader, replacing long-time chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Simultaneously, Istanbul's popular mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu faces multiple legal battles including terrorism charges, potential imprisonment, and a political ban that could prevent his 2028 presidential candidacy.

Who is affected

The Republican People's Party (CHP) and its leadership, particularly current leader Özgür Özel and former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and numerous municipality officials
İmamoğlu's lawyer, Mehmet Pehlivan
Journalist and commentator Fatih Altaylı
LGBTQ+ community members and their supporters, including at least 50 individuals detained during Pride events
Lawyers and journalists covering Pride events
Izmir Municipality and its employees
Turkish citizens whose democratic rights and institutions are being undermined

What action is being taken

A court case challenging CHP's 2023 leadership election is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for September 8
Legal cases against Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu continue, including a hearing on June 16 that was adjourned until July 16
Authorities have blocked İmamoğlu's X account in Turkey and banned the use of his images, videos, and audio recordings in public spaces
Turkish police are conducting sweeping detentions during LGBTQ+ Pride events across the country
Journalist Fatih Altaylı is being held in pretrial detention for allegedly threatening the president
Investigations targeting CHP officials and municipality employees are being conducted, including a recent wave of arrests at Izmir Municipality on July 1
Media freedom advocates and human rights organizations are condemning these actions as attempts to silence critical voices

Why it matters

This ongoing crackdown represents a serious threat to Turkey's democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms. The legal challenges to CHP's leadership could destabilize the main opposition party at a critical time when it has recently gained ground in local elections. İmamoğlu's persecution appears politically motivated to prevent a popular challenger from running in the 2028 presidential election. The arrests of journalists, lawyers, and LGBTQ+ activists signal a further shrinking of civic space and freedom of expression. These coordinated actions suggest a systematic effort by the ruling party to consolidate power by weakening opposition, controlling the media, and suppressing dissent, undermining Turkey's democratic foundations and rule of law.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices