An appeals court nullified the election of Özgür Özel as chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), stipulating that his predecessor, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, replace him. Following the court order on Thursday, Ankara's governor ordered the eviction of those inside the party's headquarters.
Riot police subsequently forced their way into the CHP headquarters in Ankara. During the operation, police fired teargas and beat party members before throwing them out of the building.
On Tuesday, riot police used teargas and water cannons to break up a rally in the coastal city of Izmir. The protest had been called by Özel days after he was removed from his position as chair of the main opposition party.
The CHP is currently level with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in recent opinion polls. Although the next election is not due until 2028, many expect Erdoğan to push for early elections.