Chaos erupts in Turkish parliament as brawl breaks out over jailed opposition figure

A brawl has erupted in Turkey’s parliament on Friday, igniting a fierce confrontation among lawmakers discussing the controversial fate of Can Atalay, a jailed opposition figure who was stripped of his parliamentary immunity earlier this year.

The incident underscores the escalating tensions within the Turkish political landscape, particularly following a recent ruling by the country’s constitutional court that overturned parliament’s decision to remove Atalay from his seat.

Atalay, a lawyer and human rights advocate, made headlines last year when he won his parliamentary seat while campaigning from behind bars.

His imprisonment has sparked widespread debate and criticism, particularly among opposition members who view the ruling majority’s actions as politically motivated.

During the heated session, Ahmet Sik, a fellow member of the leftist Workers’ Party of Turkey (TIP), rose to defend Atalay, vehemently criticizing the ruling party’s characterization of him. “It’s no surprise that you call Atalay a terrorist,” Sik declared.

“All citizens should know that the biggest terrorists of this country are those seated on those benches,” he added, pointing towards the ruling party members.

Sik’s remarks provoked an immediate backlash from lawmakers of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling AKP party, leading the chairman to call a temporary break in the proceedings. However, tensions escalated rapidly when former footballer Alpay Ozalan, a member of the AKP, approached the rostrum and physically confronted Sik, shoving him to the ground. Witnesses reported that Sik was then assaulted on the ground by multiple ruling party lawmakers, resulting in injuries to at least two opposition MPs.

Footage of the chaotic brawl quickly circulated online, showing the violence that unfolded in the parliamentary chamber. Following the altercation, staff members were seen cleaning blood stains from the floor, a stark reminder of the severity of the confrontation.

Ozgur Ozel, the head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), condemned the violence, expressing his shame at witnessing such a disgraceful incident within the halls of governance. “I am ashamed to have witnessed this situation,” Ozel stated, highlighting the deteriorating decorum in Turkish politics.