Video: Turkish MPs throw punches during debate in parliament
The Turkish Parliament was thrown into disarray on Friday, as lawmakers engaged in a physical altercation over the issue of parliamentary immunity for a jailed opposition leader. The dispute centered around Can Atalay, a lawyer and human rights activist who had his parliamentary seat revoked earlier this year. Despite being in prison, Atalay had managed to secure his seat in last year's election through a campaign run from his cell.
Brawl erupts in parliament, 2 lawmakers injured
The violent dispute was triggered when Alpay Ozalan, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), confronted Ahmet Sik of the leftist Workers's Party of Turkey (TIP). Sik had criticized the government's treatment of Atalay, leading to a heated exchange that escalated into physical violence. The brawl resulted in injuries to at least two lawmakers and forced a temporary halt to proceedings.
Parliament reconvenes, rejects motion to reinstate Atalay
After the brawl, deputies reconvened and voted against an opposition proposal to reinstate Atalay's parliamentary mandate. This decision followed Turkey's constitutional court ruling that Atalay's removal was invalid. The court had ordered a meeting to decide the leader's fate, leading to this parliamentary session. According to an AFP journalist in parliament, Ozal, a former footballer, approached the rostrum and shoved Sik to the ground. While on the ground, Sik was struck multiple times by AKP lawmakers.
