Turkish riot police stormed the headquarters of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) in Ankara and used tear gas to evacuate the building, deepening the country’s ongoing political crisis.

The security intervention came after a court ruling removed party leader Özgür Özel and annulled the results of the party congress that elected him in 2023, while appointing Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu as interim leader.

The move sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations, which described it as another blow to democracy and the rule of law.

The number of injuries resulting from clashes inside the headquarters has not yet been confirmed.