Violent Clash Erupts in Turkish Parliament During Minister’s Swearing-In

A chaotic brawl unfolded in the Turkish parliament on Wednesday, moments before Akun Gürek was sworn in as the new justice minister. Opposition members voiced their discontent, arguing that he was an unsuitable choice for the role.

Reports vary on who instigated the violence. Claims from sources close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) stated that lawmakers from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) attempted to physically block the inauguration. In contrast, CHP members, injured in the fray, accused AKP lawmakers of launching the attack.

The swearing-in ceremony was held after the MPs managed to regain control, though by Thursday, CHP members still argued that Gürek’s appointment lacked legitimacy. One leader pointed out that the ceremony was not properly documented in the parliamentary records, rendering it invalid due to the surrounding chaos.

Gürek, whose past role as Istanbul’s chief prosecutor involved the controversial jailing of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has stirred significant debate. İmamoğlu is a prominent figure in Turkish politics, having won the mayoral elections of 2024 despite attempts by Erdogan’s party to overturn his initial win. Following his second mayoral victory, which he secured by a substantial margin, Gürek’s actions led to the mayor facing numerous charges—over 150—totaling potentially more than 2,000 years in prison, a situation reflecting the aggressive prosecution of Erdogan’s political opponents.

Footage from the incident showcased lawmakers in suits exchanging blows, with at least one person falling during the scuffle. Some participants apparently removed their shoes, possibly to use them as makeshift weapons. An opposition newspaper reported that three deputies required hospital attention due to the altercation, although there were no serious injuries.

Accounts suggest that the fight ignited when CHP members attempted to obstruct the area where Gürek was set to be sworn in. They insisted they should take their oaths first, which allegedly led to AKP MPs assaulting their CHP counterparts.

Mahmut Tanar, a CHP lawmaker who was among those hospitalized for reported nasal injuries, stated after his release that AKP representatives had been vocal for the first time during the incident. He contended, “It was not the Republican People’s Party that initiated the confrontation.” According to him, as CHP’s group vice president approached the podium, AKP MPs surged to block access, effectively starting the conflict.

Tanar characterized the AKP’s movements as a “coordinated” effort. Senior CHP member Murat Emir publicly expressed disappointment over Gürek’s swearing-in, saying, “The appointment of Mr. Gürek as Minister of Justice means that the person who put the final nail in the coffin of justice has now become the guardian of that coffin.”

Emir later claimed the oath was invalid due to the lack of official documentation amidst the chaotic proceedings but noted that the AKP and Erdogan appeared to disregard these objections at that time.

Following the ceremony, Gürek addressed the public, affirming his commitment to serve the state and uphold justice. The prosecution of Istanbul’s mayor remains one of the most contentious issues in Turkey. This controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of his popularity and opposition to Erdogan’s governance, particularly regarding issues like Islamism and terrorism.

Last year, İmamoğlu’s arrest sparked disturbances in Istanbul, resulting in chaotic protests, some notably featuring demonstrators dressed as Pokémon characters. The CHP made light of this, suggesting a humorous resilience despite challenging circumstances.

In November, Gürek’s office filed an indictment against İmamoğlu and others, alleging involvement in a corruption scheme. İmamoğlu, a key contender for the 2028 presidential race, faces serious legal challenges, with prosecutors pushing for imprisonment extending to 2,000 years in total.