Minister Gürlek Announces: 84 Judges and Prosecutors Dismissed

Turkey's Minister of Justice, Akın Gürlek, has revealed the disciplinary decisions made by the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) during 2026. These actions target individuals within the judiciary who have violated legal and ethical standards.

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We are resolutely fighting criminals and criminal organizations that target the peace and public order of our nation. When fulfilling the requirements of justice, we do not look at anyone's position, title, or influence. This sensitivity applies equally to the members of our judicial organization.

According to Gürlek, the HSK's Second Chamber issued decisions concerning 525 judges and public prosecutors. Of these, 333 individuals received various disciplinary penalties. These included 168 warnings, 24 reprimands, and 23 deductions from salary. Additionally, four individuals faced a suspension of their career progression, and 30 were subjected to relocation penalties.

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The vast majority of our judges and public prosecutors carry out their duties in accordance with the law, conscience, and professional honor. However, it is also clear that this status does not grant anyone privileges.

The most severe measure involved the dismissal of 84 judges and public prosecutors from their profession. Minister Gürlek asserted that the fight against criminals and organized crime groups is conducted without regard for rank, title, or influence. He stressed that this principle extends equally to members of the judicial system.

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Our Council of Judges and Prosecutors effectively operates its oversight and disciplinary mechanisms. Within this framework, the Second Chamber of the HSK made substantive decisions regarding 525 judges and public prosecutors in 2026. Of these, 333 were subjected to various disciplinary penalties: 168 warnings, 24 reprimands, 23 salary deductions, 4 career progression halts, 30 relocations, and 84 dismissals from the profession.

"The vast majority of our judges and public prosecutors carry out their duties in accordance with the law, conscience, and professional honor," Gürlek stated. "However, it is also clear that this status does not grant anyone privileges." He further emphasized the commitment to strengthening oversight and disciplinary mechanisms within the justice system. "We will continue our determined struggle against those who undermine the law and professional honor within our judicial organization, just as we fight criminal organizations outside," he added.

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We will further strengthen our oversight mechanisms while increasing the speed and effectiveness of our justice system. We will resolutely continue our struggle against criminal organizations on the outside and against all conduct that damages the law and professional honor within our judicial organization.