A major physical clash broke out in the Turkish Parliament on Wednesday, turning heated political debates into violent confrontations among lawmakers during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Justice Minister, Akin Gyrlek.
Opposition Attempts to Block Minister’s Oath
The unrest began when opposition deputies attempted to prevent Gyrlek from approaching the podium to take his official oath of office. Opposition parties strongly oppose his appointment, accusing him of being the architect of politically motivated arrests in Turkey.
Critics claim that Gyrlek previously led investigations targeting key political rivals of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was imprisoned last year following corruption-related charges that opposition groups describe as politically driven.
Situation Escalates Into Physical Violence
The situation quickly escalated into physical altercations, with lawmakers exchanging punches inside the parliamentary chamber. Members of Erdoğan’s ruling party intervened to protect the newly appointed minister and restore order.
Oath Completed Amid Chaos
Despite the turmoil, Gyrlek ultimately completed his oath of office, surrounded by a human shield formed by members of the ruling party, while supporters inside the chamber cheered.
Growing Political Tensions in Turkey
The incident highlights deepening political divisions in Turkey, as opposition parties continue to raise concerns over judicial independence, political freedoms, and the treatment of government critics.
