Turkish Parliament Descends into Chaos as Opposition Lawmakers Clash Over New Justice Minister’s Oath

Turkey’s parliament turned into a scene of physical confrontation on February 11, 2026, when opposition deputies from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) physically blocked and scuffled with members of the ruling AK Party in a bid to stop the swearing-in of Akın Gürlek as the new Justice Minister.

The disturbance erupted during what is normally a formal oath-taking ceremony following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle also saw Ali Yerlikaya replaced as Interior Minister by Mustafa Çiftçi. Gürlek, who had been serving as Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, was appointed to head the Justice Ministry — a decision that has provoked intense backlash from the opposition.

Violence at the Podium

Video footage shared widely online and by international media captured the disorder near the parliamentary podium: lawmakers shoving one another, exchanging punches, and attempting to form human barriers. CHP members reportedly tried to physically prevent Gürlek from reaching the oath platform, shouting protests and throwing objects as anger escalated. AK Party deputies quickly surrounded the minister to shield him, enabling him to complete the brief ceremony amid applause from his side.

At least one CHP lawmaker, Mahmut Tanal, reportedly required medical attention after the altercation, though no life-threatening injuries were reported.

Why Gürlek’s Appointment Has Provoked Fury

The opposition’s rage centres on Gürlek’s record as Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor. Appointed to that role in late 2024, he led a wide-ranging crackdown on the CHP, including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025 on charges of corruption and leading an organized crime network. İmamoğlu — widely viewed as Erdoğan’s most serious potential rival ahead of the 2028 presidential election — remains in pre-trial detention.

In November 2025, Gürlek’s office filed an expansive indictment accusing İmamoğlu of orchestrating a criminal enterprise involving bribery, money laundering, fraud, and bid-rigging, allegedly resulting in state losses of around 160 billion Turkish lira (approximately $3.8 billion). Prosecutors sought prison terms exceeding 2,000 years across 142 charges, though the case is still ongoing.

CHP leader Özgür Özel has repeatedly denounced the proceedings as politically driven “judicial persecution” aimed at eliminating threats to Erdoğan’s rule. He labeled Gürlek’s promotion a “judicial coup” and pledged ongoing resistance both inside parliament and on the streets. Critics contend the appointment further undermines judicial independence and tightens executive grip over the courts during a period of heightened political division.

The government and AK Party defend the appointment as merit-based and essential for maintaining law and order, insisting the judiciary functions independently. They point to the scale of alleged corruption uncovered in Istanbul’s municipal operations under İmamoğlu as justification.

A Recurring Pattern of Parliamentary Confrontations

The physical clash fits a long-standing pattern of heated, occasionally violent exchanges in Turkey’s parliament during major political flashpoints. Such incidents have become more frequent in recent years as tensions between Erdoğan’s Islamist-rooted AK Party and the secular CHP have deepened.

International observers and human rights organizations have long expressed alarm over the use of judicial processes against political opponents. The İmamoğlu case, in particular, triggered widespread protests across Turkey in 2025.

With Turkey facing ongoing economic difficulties, regional geopolitical pressures, and the 2028 presidential election on the horizon, the violence in parliament highlights the widening gulf between the ruling party and the opposition. With Gürlek now in charge of the Justice Ministry, many fear an intensification of legal actions against opposition figures, potentially paving the way for further unrest in the coming months.