26.05.2026 13:30
The governorship did not permit the speech planned by Özgür Özel at Cumhuriyet Square in İzmir. While the entrances to the square were closed with police barriers, numerous TOMAs and riot police were deployed to the area. As tension rose during the police intervention, a moment drew attention when a citizen climbed onto a TOMA and intervened with the vehicle. Following the escalation, Özgür Özel and the accompanying crowd began marching towards Gündoğdu Square.
Following the CHP's decision of absolute nullity, the gathering they wanted to hold at Izmir's Republic Square turned into a tense scene. After the Izmir Governorship denied permission for the program on the grounds that the square is not a rally area, police barriers were set up in the area.
While the entrances to Republic Square were closed, numerous TOMA water cannons and riot police teams were dispatched to the region. Occasional scuffles broke out between the crowd gathered in the square and the police teams.
CLIMBED ONTO TOMA
In images circulating on social media, a citizen climbing onto a TOMA and protesting drew attention. The incident, which occurred as the crowd chanted slogans, quickly escalated tensions in the square. The images also showed TOMAs intervening in the crowd and extensive security measures being taken in the square.
"NO PERMISSION NEEDED" STATEMENT FROM ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
Özgür Özel, who arrived in Izmir, stated in his remarks that the program was not a planned rally and said, "We will exchange holiday greetings with party members. Therefore, there is no need for a permission application."
Özel reacted to the heavy police measures around Republic Square, saying, "Wherever the people expect us, we will go there."
CROWD MARCHED TOWARD GÜNDOĞDU
After the Governorship's denial of permission for Republic Square, Özgür Özel and the accompanying crowd began marching toward Gündoğdu Square. As security measures continued in the area, the images sparked widespread reaction on social media.