23.04.2025 18:00
Despite the ban imposed by the Ankara Governorship, a large group gathered in front of the First Assembly at the call of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel to march to Anıtkabir. Following Özel's call, "Without listening to the barricades, we are all flowing together like a flood to Anıtkabir," the crowd broke through the barricades and began their march to Anıtkabir.
CHP wanted to organize a march from the First Assembly to Anıtkabir due to the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. However, the Ankara Governorship did not permit the event.
CHP MEMBERS GATHERED IN FRONT OF THE 1ST ASSEMBLY
However, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel stated that they would not heed the ban. Özel called on citizens to gather in front of the 1st Assembly at 5 PM and then march to Anıtkabir.
THEY OVERCAME POLICE BARRICADES WITH ÖZEL'S CALL
With Özel's call, a crowd gathered in front of the 1st Assembly. Following Özel's statement, "We are all together like a flood, without hurting them but also never listening to the barricade placed in front of you, and we are flowing to Anıtkabir," the large group began to march to Anıtkabir by overcoming the police barricades.
THE GOVERNORSHIP HAD NOT GRANTED PERMISSION
The Ankara Governorship stated in its announcement that the request for a march by the CHP was not permitted: "In order to properly inform the public, it has been deemed necessary to make the following statement. The Republican People's Party (CHP) Ankara Provincial Presidency, in its application dated 22.04.2025, stated that a wreath would be laid at the Atatürk Monument in Ulus at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, due to the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and that CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel would address party members and participants in front of the 1st Grand National Assembly building at 5:00 PM, and that a march to Anıtkabir was intended to be organized thereafter.
It is anticipated that due to the historical and cultural mission of the 1st Grand National Assembly building and its surroundings, there will be a significant participation from the public, especially students, on the occasion of the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. It is expected that if the area is closed, the public's visit will be hindered, and also, due to the heavy traffic load of the requested location, any meeting held there would negatively affect the traffic flow of the entire city and cause inconvenience to our citizens. Furthermore, since the area where the meeting and demonstration march is intended to be held is not one of the areas designated and announced under the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911, the request for an activity of a rally nature has not been deemed appropriate; it has been communicated to the Provincial Presidency that if a request is made for one of the areas that have been duly determined and announced (for example; Anadolu Square, Anıtpark, Seymenler City Square, Lale Square, Kalaba City Square, etc.), all kinds of assistance and facilitation will be provided by our Governorship. This is presented to the public's information."