[REVISION HISTORY]

Controversy over Ankara Bar judicial appointment claims

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2026-10-12 10:32 UTC → 2026-10-12 17:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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