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Judge Accused of Corruption Appointed to Lead Judicial Training Academy

By The Arrested Lawyers Initiative on 20 January 2025

Ankara, Turkey – In a move that has ignited widespread controversy, President Erdogan appointed Bekir Altun, a judge previously accused of corruption and judicial misconduct, as the president of Turkey’s Justice Academy. The institution is tasked with training the country’s future judges and prosecutors.

Altun’s new role comes despite allegations of bribery, nepotism, and judicial manipulation. These claims were first made public in 2023 when İsmail Uçar, the former Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, submitted a letter to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK). Uçar accused Altun of orchestrating court rulings favorable to those who paid bribes, facilitating the release of high-profile suspects, and pressuring judges to issue favorable decisions for political and financial gain.

Controversial Past

Altun, previously the head of the Istanbul Judicial Commission, has denied all allegations, attributing them to personal grievances by Uçar. However, his tenure has been marred by allegations, including bribery to issue internet content bans and acquittals for suspects involved in significant crimes. Notably, Altun allegedly influenced the release of individuals arrested for drug trafficking and extortion.

Judge Erdinç Demet, another senior judicial figure, further accused Altun of undue influence and professional retaliation against non-compliant judges. Demet cited an audio recording as evidence of Altun’s interference in a high-profile case, adding weight to claims of systemic corruption within Turkey’s judiciary.

Despite these serious accusations, Altun has faced no significant repercussions. The HSK’s investigation into Uçar’s 2023 letter resulted in the suspension of only one judge, while Altun continued to ascend in the judiciary.

Justice Academy’s Role

The Justice Academy, established in 2017, plays a pivotal role in shaping Turkey’s judicial landscape. Critics argue that Altun’s appointment undermines the institution’s integrity and highlights the erosion of judicial independence under President Erdoğan’s government.

Turkey’s judiciary has faced significant scrutiny, particularly after the 2016 failed coup attempt, which led to the dismissal of over 4,000 judges and prosecutors. Observers claim that the government has since filled these positions with individuals loyal to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The allegations against Altun are part of a broader narrative of judicial corruption in Turkey. In recent years, high-ranking judicial figures have been implicated in scandals involving bribery, extortion, and abuse of office. In its 2025 report Human Rights Watch said: “Political divisions and power struggles within Türkiye’s top courts and increasing reports of corruption within the state and judiciary have further undermined human rights and the rule of law.”

It has been long ongoing pattern that President Erdogan promotes judicial figures based on the extent of their crackdown on government critics.