Heated debate in Turkish Parliament over imprisoned MP Atalay ends in brawl

Turkish Parliament convened for an extraordinary session to discuss the situation of imprisoned and disqualified Workers’ Party of Türkiye (TIP) MP Can Atalay. The session quickly escalated into a brawl after TIP MP Ahmet Sik made remarks targeting the ruling AK Party.

The extraordinary session was called by opposition MPs. However, tensions rose immediately when Sik took the floor, leading to a heated exchange that resulted in a physical altercation.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Bekir Bozdag had to suspend the session for 15 minutes due to the escalating chaos and insults exchanged between members.

Atalay was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court for “aiding an attempt to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Türkiye.” The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence, and despite an ongoing appeal process, the Supreme Court confirmed the 18-year prison sentence.

The Supreme Court’s decision led to Atalay’s disqualification as an MP, reducing TIP’s seats in Parliament from four to three. The Constitutional Court later ruled that the decision to strip Atalay of his parliamentary seat was “null and void.”

Penalty decision after recess

After a recess, the General Assembly reconvened and it was reported that Sik and Ozalan were given reprimand penalties.

After the 6th recess, the General Assembly reconvened under the chairmanship of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. Ahmet Sik and Alpay Ozalan were given reprimand penalties with the vote taken in the Turkish Parliament.