Turkey’s parliament witnessed dramatic scenes as lawmakers from rival parties exchanged blows during a heated confrontation over the appointment of a new justice minister, forcing officials to suspend proceedings.
A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Turkey’s parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers from the ruling party and opposition benches clashed physically during a heated dispute over the appointment of a new justice minister.
The incident occurred amid rising tensions following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest cabinet reshuffle. Opposition legislators protested the nomination of Akin Gurlek, arguing that his elevation to the influential Justice Ministry raised serious concerns about judicial independence and political neutrality.
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Television footage circulating online showed lawmakers shouting, pushing, and eventually trading punches on the assembly floor. Several members were seen attempting to separate their colleagues as the altercation escalated, prompting parliamentary officials to suspend the session temporarily.
The scuffle reportedly began when opposition lawmakers moved toward Gurlek during proceedings linked to his formal swearing-in.
Critics from opposition parties accused Gurlek of political bias, citing his previous judicial decisions and alleging close alignment with the ruling establishment. Members of the governing party responded angrily, triggering the chaotic scenes.
No serious injuries were immediately reported, though images from inside the chamber captured overturned desks and heightened security intervention. Parliamentary authorities later restored order, allowing legislative business to resume after the suspension.
The clash underscores deepening political divisions in Turkey, where debates over the judiciary, constitutional reforms, and executive authority have repeatedly sparked fierce confrontations.
Analysts note that tensions have intensified in recent years, with opposition parties frequently accusing the government of consolidating power at the expense of democratic institutions.
The government has defended Gurlek’s appointment, describing him as an experienced legal professional. Opposition leaders, however, warned that the episode reflected broader anxieties about checks and balances within the Turkish political system.
Published: 12 Feb 2026, 07:19 am IST
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