22/05/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
LGBTI+ associations released a joint statement regarding the “absolute nullity” ruling targeting the CHP.
The appellate court has ruled for “absolute nullity” in the case concerning the Republican People’s Party’s (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress. According to the ruling, CHP Chair Özgür Özel and the current party administration were temporarily removed from office, while Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the former administration were reinstated.
LGBTI+ associations reacted to the “absolute nullity” ruling, stating: “We will continue to defend freedoms, equal citizenship, democratic pluralism and the will of the people against the trustee regime, attempts to shape the political sphere through pressure and judicial intimidation, and policies aimed at silencing social opposition.”
The full statement reads:
“The decision of absolute nullity and the appointment of a trustee regarding the Republican People’s Party’s 2023 congress process constitute a clear political intervention targeting the people’s democratic will, freedom of association, and the opposition’s right to engage in politics. In Türkiye, the practice of reshaping politics through the judiciary has long been deepened through trustee policies, lawsuits seeking the closure of political parties, judicial threats against elected officials, and the systematic narrowing of democratic space. This approach targets pluralist democracy, the will of the people, and the right to political representation.
As LGBTI+ organisations, we oppose the liquidation of democratic politics, the usurpation of the people’s right to elect and be elected, and the transformation of the judiciary into a tool of political intervention. We will continue to defend freedoms, equal citizenship, democratic pluralism and the will of the people against the trustee regime, attempts to shape the political sphere through pressure and judicial intimidation, and policies aimed at silencing social opposition.”
Signatory organisations: 17 May Association, 20 November Association Against Hate Crimes, Ankara Rainbow Families Association (GALADER), HEVİ LGBTI+ Association, Young LGBTI+ Association, Kaos GL Association, Red Umbrella Sexual Health and Human Rights Association, Lambdaistanbul LGBTI+ Solidarity Association, LGBTI+ Families and Relatives Solidarity Association (LISTAG), Mersin LGBT 7 Colors Association, Muamma LGBTI+ Association, Pink Life Association, Free Colors Association, UniKuir Association, and Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association.
Tags: human rights, media, life
