Ankara Court Again Postpones Lawsuit Against Turkey Opposition CHP

A Turkish court in Ankara has postponed a critical trial challenging the legitimacy of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leadership until at least October 24. The case, centered on allegations of vote buying at the CHP's 2023 congress that led to Özgür Özel replacing longtime leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, is widely viewed by the opposition as a politically motivated attempt by the government to undermine the party. CHP denies the charges and accuses the government of using the judiciary to carry out a political coup, with large protests demonstrating support for the party leadership. The court has also ordered the CHP to submit detailed delegate lists from recent party conventions, while the opposition argues that only the Supreme Election Board has jurisdiction over such matters. The controversy has intensified following the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent CHP figure, and increasing defections from CHP to the ruling AKP party. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Turkish democracy and the future of the opposition party.