# Controversy over Ankara Bar judicial appointment claims

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ankara-bar-association-leadership-and-appointment
> Updated: 2026-10-10T20:42:03.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

In early October 2026, candidates for the Ankara Bar Association presidency presented competing platforms ahead of the association’s 69th Ordinary General Assembly. Efsun Türkmen Erol focused on improving professional conditions for lawyers and addressing human rights violations, while Funda Şahin campaigned on the management of the association’s real estate assets and increased financial transparency. Following the election period, controversy emerged involving Gökhan Ağdemir, President of the Ankara 2 No’lu Bar Association. During a live television broadcast, Ağdemir claimed that the association had provided referrals for approximately 70 members to be appointed as judges and prosecutors during his two-year term, stating that the Ministry of Justice granted them “privileges” in this regard. Ağdemir defended these actions as a method to support young colleagues in their professional development. The remarks drew sharp criticism from political figures and legal organizations. Murat Emir of the Yeni Yol Party criticized the claims as evidence of “cronyism” and political staffing. Selçuk Özdağ submitted a parliamentary inquiry to the Ministry of Justice to question whether such references influence merit-based appointments. Additionally, the İzmir Bar Association issued a statement arguing that these claims undermine the impartiality of judicial interviews and the principle of meritocracy. Other political leaders, including Mahmut Arıkan of the Saadet Party and İdris Şahin of the DEVA Party, expressed concerns that such practices damage public trust in the independence and neutrality of the judiciary. Further scrutiny intensified as MP Cumhur Uzun submitted a formal parliamentary inquiry to the Ministry of Justice. The inquiry demands transparency regarding appointment processes, specifically questioning if bar leadership influences candidate selection and requesting a comparative disclosure of exam and interview scores to ensure equality and impartiality. The Judges' Union also joined the criticism, emphasizing that judicial independence must be maintained through merit rather than through such privileges.

## Claims

- Gökhan Ağdemir stated that approximately 70 bar members were appointed as judges and prosecutors during his two-year term. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Gökhan Ağdemir claimed the Ministry of Justice granted the Ankara 2nd Bar Association privileges regarding these appointments. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Gökhan Ağdemir admitted to providing references for lawyers seeking to become judges and prosecutors. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- MP Cumhur Uzun submitted a parliamentary inquiry demanding an explanation from the Ministry of Justice regarding these claims. (single source)
- The Judges' Union issued a statement asserting that judicial independence relies on merit rather than privileges. (single source)
- Gökhan Ağdemir withdrew his candidacy for the Ankara 2nd Bar Association presidency following the controversy. (single source)
- The Istanbul Bar Association announced it would file a criminal complaint regarding the allegations of judicial favoritism. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Ankara 2nd Bar Association President faces scrutiny over judicial appointment claims

Ankara 2nd Bar Association President Gökhan Ağdemir faces backlash after claiming he provided references for 70 members to become judges and prosecutors, prompting legal complaints and parliamentary inquiries.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ankara-bar-president-claims-70-members-appointed-as-judges-via-referrals

### 2026-10-03: Ankara Bar Association presidential candidates debate legal rights and asset management

Candidates for the Ankara Bar Association presidency are debating legal defense priorities and the transparent management of the association’s real estate assets ahead of upcoming elections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ankara-bar-association-presidential-candidates-debate-legal-rights-and-asset-management

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Cite as: Controversy over Ankara Bar judicial appointment claims. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ankara-bar-association-leadership-and-appointment