- September 8, 2025
- 3:18 pm
- Brief news
On the night of September 8, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkish security forces blocked the entrances and exits to the office of the Republican People’s Party of Turkey. This occurred after the branch leadership was suspended from their duties, and control was transferred to a temporary council.
According to Hurriyet, party representatives described the blockade as a “siege.” They accused the authorities of attempting a scientific coup and urged supporters to gather around the building despite a three-day ban on demonstrations.
Protests at the party office
Opposition supporters at the protest chanted slogans such as “Erdogan is a dictator!” and “We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal!” At one point, protesters managed to break into the office, but security forces quickly pushed them out. Several clashes with the police occurred during the events.
Technical problems in Istanbul
According to media reports, since midnight, there have been disruptions in the operation of messengers, including Telegram, as well as social networks such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp in Istanbul.
Suspension of leadership
Last week, a court decision removed the Istanbul leadership of the Republican People’s Party from power, accusing them of corruption. The new head of the branch became former deputy Gürsel Tekin. The party and its supporters disagree with this decision, declaring it illegal and refusing to recognize its legitimacy.
Close attention to the Republican Party
The Republican People’s Party, founded by Mustafa Atatürk, is under pressure from state authorities, especially after its success in local elections last year. The situation escalated in March when Ekrem İmamoğlu, a popular politician and main rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was arrested.
Further actions by the authorities
Amid these events, Turkey intends to take measures against Israel, including severing economic ties and closing airspace to its aircraft.