At least two lawmakers were injured after a brawl broke out in the Turkish parliament during a session dedicated to opposition politician Can Atalay, who is serving an 18-year prison sentence. Blood stains were found on the steps of the lectern.
Can Atalay is serving an 18-year prison sentence for the 2013 anti-government protests. The politician has been accused of attempting a coup. The allegations are seen by many as politically motivated.
Last year, while serving his sentence, the politician was elected to parliament on behalf of the Turkish Workers’ Party (TIP). Opposition parties are calling for his release and to allow him to serve as an MP.
Friday’s session was called following the Constitutional Court’s decision, which deemed the revocation of Atalaya’s parliamentary status invalid.
Fight in Parliament!
Ahmet Sik, a representative of the opposition TIP party, expressed harsh criticism from the parliamentary podium of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), calling it a “terrorist organization”. An AKP politician approached him and began to hit him. The session was interrupted due to the rising tension and exchange of blows.
After a break of more than three hours, the meeting resumed, Reuters wrote. The situation escalated again and many MPs took part in the fight. There were blood stains on the white stairs leading to the pulpit.
According to the Balkan Insight website, several opposition MPs were injured. AP, which reported on the two injured, notes that fighting in the Turkish parliament is not uncommon.
link/PAP
