SUNTV Global Channel — February 11, 2026
A dramatic scene unfolded inside Turkey’s parliament on Wednesday after lawmakers descended into chaos, exchanging punches during a heated confrontation over the appointment of a controversial new Justice Minister.
The clash erupted during the swearing-in ceremony of Akın Gürlek, the former chief public prosecutor of Istanbul, recently appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Opposition lawmakers from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) attempted to block Gürlek from taking the oath, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Tensions quickly escalated as members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) confronted opposition legislators. Video footage from the session captured lawmakers pushing, shouting, and throwing punches in a full-blown physical brawl on the parliamentary floor.
The disorder forced the parliamentary speaker to suspend proceedings for about 15 minutes before order was eventually restored. Gürlek later completed his oath ceremony under heavy protection from ruling party members.
The controversy surrounding his appointment stems from his record as Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, where he oversaw several high-profile cases against opposition figures. Most notably, he authorized legal actions against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu — a key political rival to President Erdoğan.
Last year, Gürlek issued an arrest warrant for the mayor, sparking nationwide protests. In November, he also filed a sweeping indictment accusing İmamoğlu of more than 140 corruption and organized crime-related offences, seeking an extraordinary prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years. Opposition leaders insist the charges are politically motivated.
Wednesday’s cabinet reshuffle also included the appointment of Mustafa Çiftçi, the former governor of Erzurum Province, as Turkey’s new Interior Minister. Officials did not provide detailed reasons for the sudden changes, stating only that outgoing ministers had requested to step down.
Political analysts say the reshuffle comes at a sensitive time for Turkey, as the government weighs constitutional reforms and pursues a renewed peace initiative with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), aimed at ending decades of conflict.
Observers warn that the latest appointments could significantly shape Turkey’s political landscape, influencing both domestic governance and relations between the government, opposition-run municipalities, and Kurdish political groups.
— Reported by SUNTV Global Channel
