Turkey Opposition Leader: ‘They have state power, but the streets will win’

ISTANBUL — Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel issued a defiant message on Monday, declaring that elected officials will not be forced out of office. “They have their states, water cannons, tear gas, batons, prosecutors, and judges,” Özel said. “But they should never forget: whoever controls the streets will ultimately win.” The remarks come amid rising political tensions in Turkey, where opposition figures have faced increasing pressure from the government. Özel did not specify any particular event or target, but his statement signals a firm stance against what he described as state-backed intimidation. “The elected have not gone anywhere, and they will not go anywhere,” he added.