Ankara: A heated debate in the Turkish Parliament escalated into a violent brawl on Friday, leaving at least two lawmakers injured. The clash erupted over the removal of opposition lawmaker Can Atalay from office and his ongoing imprisonment. Let’s delve into the details:
The Background
In January, the parliament revoked Atalay’s parliamentary status with the support of ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) members and their nationalist allies. This move defied multiple rulings by the Constitutional Court, which had rejected his ouster from the parliament. Atalay, along with five other co-defendants, including prominent Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala, has been behind bars since April 2022. They were convicted of attempting to overthrow the government due to their involvement in the nationwide 2013 Gezi protests. These protests, which began as an environmental demonstration in central Istanbul, evolved into the largest popular uprising against President Erdogan’s rule.
The Fiery Debate
During a parliamentary session, AKP lawmaker Alpay Ozalan approached the podium while Ahmet Sik, a lawmaker from the leftist Turkey Workers Party, was addressing the floor. A scuffle between the two quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl as other opposition and governing coalition lawmakers joined in. The video footage captured the chaos as MPs exchanged blows, blood spattering on the white stairs of the Speaker’s podium.
Injuries and Tensions
Opposition lawmakers Gulistan Kocyigit and Okan Konuralp were injured as they attempted to break up the fight. Bekir Bozdag, the deputy speaker of the parliament, wisely ordered a session delay to lower tensions. Social media circulated another video showing drops of blood where the brawl erupted. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, expressed his dismay: “It happened right in front of our eyes. They even hit women. I am incredibly ashamed.”
The Outcome
Despite the chaos, the parliament eventually resumed proceedings. In a subsequent vote, the opposition’s proposal to include Can Atalay in Parliament was rejected. Atalay, who received an 18-year prison sentence in 2022, continues to deny all charges related to the Gezi protests.
The Turkish Parliament, usually a forum for debate and legislation, witnessed an unprecedented display of physical confrontation. As the dust settles, questions remain about the delicate balance between parliamentary immunity, justice, and political tensions in the country.
