Scenes of extreme disorder, with punches and kicks exchanged between MPs, unfolded in the plenary of the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the swearing-in of Akın Gürlek as Minister of Justice and Mustafa Çiftçi as Minister of the Interior, amid confrontation between CHP lawmakers and members of the ruling AKP.

Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akın Gürlek appeared before the plenary to be sworn in as Justice Minister, while Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi attended to assume the Interior Ministry.

The CHP argued that Gürlek could not be sworn in because he had not resigned from his post as chief prosecutor. The AKP responded that the procedure was constitutional. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bekir Bozdağ stated that no procedural irregularity had occurred.

Punches between MPs

After Bozdağ invited Gürlek to step up to the podium to take the oath, CHP MPs began protesting and occupied the podium. AKP lawmakers also moved toward the area, leading to clashes around it.

During the confrontation, AKP MP for Ankara Osman Gökçek punched CHP MP for Şanlıurfa Mahmut Tanal. According to reports, Tanal suffered a nose injury and began bleeding.

Swearing-in amid tension

Despite the confusion and shouting, Akın Gürlek took the oath while tensions continued, with AKP MPs forming a circle around him. Immediately afterward, Mustafa Çiftçi also stepped up to the podium and was sworn in similarly.