Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is facing renewed controversy after prosecutors launched an investigation into allegations that paid extras were recruited through casting agencies to attend a recent membership ceremony led by party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office opened the inquiry following claims that hundreds of participants were paid TL 950 (around $20) to attend the event, where they were allegedly instructed to chant slogans and applaud.
The allegations emerged as the CHP continues to grapple with internal turmoil following a court ruling that reinstated Kılıçdaroğlu as party leader and prompted the departure of 91 lawmakers aligned with former leader Özgür Özel.
CHP Istanbul Provincial Chair Gürsel Tekin described the claims as a "setup" and said those responsible would be held accountable if wrongdoing was established.
The allegations also revived scrutiny over several previous incidents involving individuals presented at CHP events or in campaign-related material as ordinary citizens. Critics have questioned whether some participants had undisclosed political affiliations or professional acting backgrounds.
