Turkish Justice Minister Accused of Repeated Meetings with CHP Leaders

CHP Group Chairman Özgür Özel said Justice Minister Akın Gürlek had met repeatedly with CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s lawyer Celal Çelik, alleging coordination around the “mutlak butlan” decision that removed Özel from his post. Özel urged journalists to ask how often the minister met with the party’s lawyer and warned that the issue raises concerns about judicial independence and internal party democracy.

Celal Çelik denied any meetings with Gürlek on social media, calling the claim defamatory and demanding proof. He wrote, “İDDİAYI İSPATLAYIN GEREĞİNİ YAPAYIM,” and said the allegation was an immoral libel.