Tempers Flare as Turkey’s Parliament Erupts in Furious Brawl
Wild scenes broke out in Turkey’s parliament on Wednesday as opposition MPs launched a furious attack to block the swearing-in of Akın Gürlek, the ex-Istanbul chief prosecutor infamous for cracking down on President Erdoğan’s rivals. Despite the chaos — including punches, shoves, and overturned chairs — Gürlek was sworn in as Justice Minister amid fierce resistance.
Violence Erupts Over ‘Politically Driven’ Appointment
Opposition lawmakers screamed and scrambled to stop Gürlek’s appointment. Ruling party MPs rallied into a human shield, protecting their new man as fights broke out near the speaker’s podium. Shirts were ripped, tempers soared, and the chaos forced a 15-minute suspension before order was restored.
The fury stems from Gürlek’s record targeting Erdoğan’s main opposition, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). He famously slapped a staggering 142-charge indictment on Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu — Erdoğan’s toughest rival — accusing him of corruption and organised crime. İmamoğlu now faces a shocking potential 2,000-year prison sentence.
Supporters call Gürlek’s charges “political persecution.” The government insists the judiciary is independent. Critics argue the appointment “formalises” the weaponisation of courts against political foes.
Shrewd Shake-Up Amid Corruption Probes and Peace Talks
Gürlek’s rise comes as police ramp up probes, with hundreds arrested in CHP-run municipalities — sparking fears of a crackdown ahead of critical elections. Meanwhile, Erdoğan unveiled Mustafa Çiftçi as the new interior minister in a surprise cabinet reshuffle, with no official reasons given.
These moves come during heated debates over constitutional reforms and peace talks with Kurdish PKK insurgents. Analysts say Erdoğan’s government is juggling power grabs at home while pushing major policy shifts.
Opposition Sounds Alarm Over Turkey’s Democratic Future
“This is the weaponisation of the judiciary,” opposition leaders warned. “Gürlek’s appointment threatens judicial independence and democracy in Turkey.”
The explosive brawl in parliament is one of the fiercest in years, exposing the deep divisions in Turkish politics. Despite the violence, Erdoğan’s ruling party flexed its muscle, pushing through a controversial pick that could reshape Turkey’s legal and political landscape.
