Ankara Court Dismisses Case Challenging Turkish Opposition Leader Ozel

A Turkish court in Ankara dismissed a significant case challenging the legitimacy of the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) 2023 congress, which sought to unseat current Chair Özgür Özel due to allegations of vote buying and procedural irregularities. The court ruled the case "without basis," affirming the validity of the 38th and 21st congresses and Özel's leadership, though the decision can still be appealed. The lawsuit was part of a broader political context involving accusations of corruption and a crackdown targeting CHP-run municipalities, including high-profile arrests such as Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The CHP has consistently denied wrongdoing, framing the legal actions as politically motivated efforts by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government to undermine the opposition. The courtroom reaction to the verdict was notably positive, with applause signaling public support within the proceedings. Despite the dismissal, the plaintiffs have vowed to appeal, and the CHP is moving forward by planning its 39th Ordinary Congress to focus on the party's future.