Turkey's Parliament Erupts into Fistfight Over Jailed Opposition Deputy

Chaos erupted in Turkey’s Parliament on Friday, turning a heated debate into a violent brawl. The fight broke out among Turkish lawmakers over Can Atalay, a jailed opposition deputy stripped of his parliamentary immunity earlier this year.

The trouble began when Alpay Özalan, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), attacked Ahmet Şık from the leftist Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP). Şık had criticized the government’s harsh treatment of Atalay, a lawyer and rights activist who campaigned for his seat from prison. “It’s no surprise you call Atalay a terrorist,” Şık said, worsening the situation. He accused the ruling majority of being the "biggest terrorists" in Turkey.

AK Party lawmaker Alpay Özalan clashes with TIP's Ahmet Şık during a debate on jailed MP Can Atalay in Ankara, Aug. 16, 2024. (DIA Images via AP)

Özalan, a former footballer, walked to the rostrum and shoved Şık to the ground. The 30-minute brawl involved dozens of lawmakers. Punches were thrown, leaving at least two injured and forcing the session to be suspended.

Footage of the incident spread online, showing staff cleaning bloodstains from the Parliament floor. The scene shocked many, including Özgür Özel, head of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), who felt deep shame over the event. He stated that the deputies responsible would face punishment.

The fight occurred during a vote on an opposition motion to restore Atalay’s parliamentary mandate. Despite the chaos, the motion was rejected, supported by AKP and far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputies. Atalay’s story is one of struggle. Last year, he won his seat for the earthquake-hit Hatay province, despite serving an 18-year prison sentence. He is among seven defendants convicted in a controversial trial, which also saw philanthropist Osman Kavala jailed for life.

Atalay’s removal from Parliament in January led to legal battles between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s supporters and opposition leaders. The constitutional court later ruled his removal “null and void,” but the ruling parties remained firm.

Turkey’s Parliament has a history of stripping opposition politicians, especially Kurds, of immunity, calling them “terrorists.” Friday’s events added another chapter to Turkey’s political unrest and violence.