Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appointed Akin Gürlek, who previously served as chief prosecutor in Istanbul, as the new Justice Minister. Gürlek is known for his controversial background in Turkish politics, particularly due to his role in leading the crackdown on the country's largest opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). His tenure as chief prosecutor since 2024 has been marked by numerous arrests and charges against members of the CHP, drawing significant criticism from various sectors.

One of the most notable cases during Gürlek's time as chief prosecutor is the investigation and subsequent indictment of Ekrem Imamoglu, the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul. This case has gained substantial attention both within Turkey and internationally, particularly because it centers around allegations of fraud, which have been leveled against Imamoglu and 401 other individuals. The charges, brought by the Turkish prosecution in November, assert that the fraud spans a decade and involves a staggering sum of 160 billion Turkish lira, equivalent to about 24 billion Danish kroner.

The implications of Gürlek's appointment as Justice Minister are significant, as it signifies Erdogan's continued consolidation of power and his administration's aggressive stance against dissent and opposition. Critics of the government fear that Gürlek’s past actions and his close ties to Erdogan will further undermine justice and democratic processes in Turkey, especially regarding free political competition and the rule of law.