Massive Rally in Ankara Supports Ousted Leader of Turkish Opposition Party

In Ankara, tens of thousands rallied in support of Ozgur Ozel, Turkey's main opposition leader, who was removed from his role at the Republican People's Party (CHP) by court order. The court's May 21st ruling, seen by many as a politically motivated move to weaken the opposition, replaced Ozel with his predecessor, Kemal Kilicdaroglu.

The protest commenced at Guven Park, where Ozel delivered a defiant speech condemning his ouster as state interference orchestrated by President Erdogan. Marchers, alongside Ozel, proceeded to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, emphasizing their resolve to challenge governmental efforts to control the CHP.

Ozel framed the court's decision and accompanying arrests of CHP officials over alleged municipal corruption as attempts to diminish the party's influence. He contended these actions were part of a broader campaign against the CHP, which polling shows closely rivals the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) despite expectations of early elections.

Meanwhile, Kilicdaroglu hosted a smaller gathering at CHP headquarters, criticizing past administrations for widespread corruption. As political tensions rise in Turkey, CHP's charismatic Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, remains imprisoned on various charges, diminishing opposition momentum ahead of potential elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)