An unexpected and violent confrontation unfolded in Turkey’s parliament on Friday, resulting in a chaotic scene as lawmakers engaged in a bloody fistfight during a debate concerning the status of a jailed opposition member.
The brawl erupted amid heated discussions about Can Atalay, a jailed opposition figure whose parliamentary immunity was controversially revoked earlier this year. Atalay, a lawyer and rights activist, was one of seven defendants sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2022 following a contentious trial. He was deprived of his parliamentary seat in January after a stormy parliamentary session, despite efforts by leftist deputies to block the decision.
The conflict over Atalay’s status intensified following a ruling by Turkey’s constitutional court on August 1, which declared that his ouster from parliament was “null and void.” The decision came after Atalay’s election to parliament from the earthquake-stricken Hatay province in May’s general election, leading to a legal standoff between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s supporters and opposition leaders.
During the parliamentary session, TIP deputy Ahmet Sik defended Atalay, denouncing ruling party lawmakers and referring to them as the “biggest terrorists” in Turkey. His remarks ignited a violent reaction from the ruling AKP party members. Former footballer and AKP lawmaker Alpay Ozalan approached Sik and shoved him to the ground, leading to a scuffle. Another opposition MP sustained injuries while attempting to calm the situation.
Footage of the incident shows the brawl and the aftermath, with parliament staff cleaning bloodstains from the floor. The episode underscores ongoing tensions within Turkish politics, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition figures and the broader issue of parliamentary immunity.
Turkey’s parliament has previously faced controversies over lifting immunity from opposition politicians, many of whom are Kurdish, amid accusations of terrorism from the government.
The brawl highlights the deepening political divide and the challenges facing Turkey’s democratic institutions as they navigate complex and contentious issues surrounding parliamentary representation and judicial rulings.
Sources By Agencies
