Akın Gürlek, previously the Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, has gained notoriety for his aggressive legal strategies against opposition figures, particularly targeting Ekrem İmamoğlu, a rival of President Erdoğan. His hardline approach led to him being dubbed the 'mobile guillotine' by the Turkish opposition. Gürlek has initiated numerous legal proceedings against İmamoğlu and the Republican People's Party (CHP), demanding an extraordinary 2430 years of imprisonment for İmamoğlu, which underscores the escalating political tensions in Turkey.

Gürlek's rise to the position of Minister of Justice highlights his alignment with Erdoğan's authoritarian stance and the ongoing crackdown on dissent within the country. Previously, as a judge, he played a significant role in politically charged cases, including the conviction of prominent Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtaş. His promotion is perceived as a signal of Erdoğan's intent to implement even harsher measures against the opposition, especially as Turkey approaches critical elections.

The implications of Gürlek's appointment are profound for the political landscape in Turkey. With the CHP preparing for a more challenging environment under his leadership, the move signals a potentially intensified campaign against any opposition to Erdoğan's rule. This development also raises concerns regarding the erosion of judicial independence and increased repression of dissent, which have been hallmarks of Erdoğan's administration over the years.