Mass brawl erupts in parliament as controversial new minister is sworn in
Turkish MPs fight in parliament over controversial ministerial appointment
- A brawl erupted in Turkey's parliament on Wednesday, 11 February, during a debate over a new ministerial appointment.
- Lawmakers from the ruling AK Party and the opposition clashed regarding the appointment of Akin Gurlek as the new justice minister.
- Opposition members opposed Gurlek's appointment due to his record as Istanbul Chief Prosecutor since 2024, where he oversaw numerous arrests and indictments against the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).
- Footage showed legislators pushing and throwing punches in an attempt to prevent Gurlek from taking his oath of office.
- Gurlek was eventually sworn into the role after the speaker was forced to suspend parliamentary proceedings for 15 minutes.
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