Turkish Parliament erupts into brawl over ‘theft’ accusations

Tensions soared in the Turkish Parliament Thursday as a physical altercation erupted between deputies from the opposition pro-PKK Green Left Party (YSP), informally known as the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), turning the parliamentary session into a battleground.

The brawl began when DEM Party Mersin Deputy Ali Bozan, during his speech at the podium, accused AK Party members of “theft.”

The accusation sparked an immediate confrontation as AK Party deputies moved toward the podium. A heated argument quickly escalated into a physical fight.

Punches were thrown, and the altercation intensified as deputies from both sides engaged in a scuffle.

Vice Speaker Bekir Bozdag was compelled to suspend the session because of the escalating violence. The brawl saw several members exchanging blows before the session was adjourned.