ANKARA, Turkey — A chaotic fistfight broke out in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on February 11, 2026, as opposition lawmakers clashed with ruling party deputies during the swearing-in of newly appointed Justice Minister Akın Gürlek.
The incident stemmed from fierce protests by members of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), who attempted to block Gürlek—former Istanbul Chief Prosecutor—from taking his oath amid a cabinet reshuffle ordered by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Videos circulating widely showed lawmakers pushing, shoving, and exchanging punches on the chamber floor, with ruling AK Party members forming a protective ring around Gürlek to allow him to proceed.Gürlek’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, who accuse him of leading politically motivated prosecutions against CHP figures and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, including high-profile cases labeled as judicial harassment.
As tempers flared, opposition deputies occupied the podium and tried to prevent the ceremony, leading to physical confrontations that included reported injuries such as a broken nose for one CHP lawmaker.
The presiding officer adjourned the session for about 15 minutes to restore order, after which Gürlek was sworn in surrounded by AK Party supporters.The brawl, while not the first in Turkey’s parliament, has intensified accusations of deepening political polarization.
President Erdoğan later condemned the opposition’s actions as reflecting a “faşizan ve kibirli zihniyet” (fascist and arrogant mentality) during an address to AK Party provincial leaders. No serious injuries were widely reported beyond initial scuffles, but the event has sparked widespread debate over judicial independence and democratic norms in the country.
The violence underscores ongoing tensions in Turkish politics, including debates on constitutional changes and opposition crackdowns, with footage of the melee continuing to dominate social media and international headlines.
