President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s appointment of former chief prosecutor Akin Gurlek sparked chaos in parliament when opposition lawmakers attempted to block him from taking the oath of office.

Footage from the scene reveals lawmakers exchanging punches, with some needing to be separated to prevent further escalation.

Details regarding potential injuries or disciplinary actions against the involved politicians remain unclear.

Gurlek, who served as Istanbul’s chief prosecutor since 2021, is known for his role in the sentencing of several high-profile opposition figures, including Selahattin Demirtas and Sirri Sureyya Onder.

He also spearheaded various legal proceedings against members of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), which criticized these trials as being driven by political motives.

Amidst the parliamentary turmoil, Gurlek eventually managed to take his oath, shielded by a circle of ruling party members who ensured his safety.

Demonstrations have been held in Turkey over the last year, including when Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested in a corruption probe.

The government has previously insisted the judiciary is independent.

Reported with Associated Press

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