Fistfight Erupts in Turkish Parliament Over Jailed Opposition MP

A fistfight broke out in Turkey's parliament after an opposition deputy defended jailed colleague Can Atalay. Ruling party MPs attacked Ahmet Sik, leading to a melee. Atalay was previously sentenced for allegedly organizing anti-government protests but was elected an MP last year. The Constitutional Court nullified his exclusion.

A fistfight erupted in Turkey's parliament Friday when Ahmet Sik, an opposition deputy, was attacked following his call for the inclusion of jailed colleague Can Atalay in the assembly. Atalay, sentenced to 18 years on charges of organizing 2013 anti-government protests, was elected to parliament last year but excluded, with the Constitutional Court recently declaring his exclusion null and void.

Video footage captured MPs from the ruling AKP party rushing to the lectern to punch Sik, leading to dozens more joining the fracas. Blood was seen spattered on the white steps of the speaker's podium. Sik condemned the AKP lawmakers, stating, 'The biggest terrorists are the ones sitting in these seats.'

The deputy parliament speaker declared a 45-minute recess following the melee. Brawls, while infrequent, are not unheard of in Turkish parliament, with a previous scuffle occurring in June over the detention of a pro-Kurdish DEM Party mayor.