The Turkish Parliament witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday as a physical altercation broke out among lawmakers, highlighting the deep political divisions within the country. The brawl began when opposition deputy Ahmet Sik demanded the inclusion of imprisoned MP Can Atalay in the parliamentary session. Atalay, who was jailed on charges related to organizing anti-government protests, was later elected as a member of parliament.

According to Reuters, video footage from the parliament shows ruling AKP party MPs rushing towards Ahmet Sik, attempting to punch him, as dozens of others joined in the melee. Some lawmakers tried to break up the fight, but the scuffle escalated, leading to bloodstains being visible on the white steps of the Speaker’s podium.

Can Atalay, who won a parliamentary seat despite being imprisoned, has been at the center of a political storm. In 2022, Atalay was sentenced to 18 years in prison for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government by organizing nationwide ‘Gezi Park’ protests in 2013, alongside Osman Kavala and six others. All involved have denied the charges.

Despite his imprisonment, Atalay was elected to the Turkish Parliament in May last year as a representative of the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TIP). Although Parliament initially stripped him of his seat, the Constitutional Court later overturned this decision on August 1, allowing him to reclaim his position.

During the heated parliamentary session, Sik addressed the AKP lawmakers, saying, “We are not surprised that you call Can Atalay a terrorist, just as you label anyone who opposes you as one. But the biggest terrorists are sitting right here on these seats.” His remarks further inflamed tensions, leading to the violent confrontation.

The deputy speaker of the parliament was forced to halt proceedings due to the brawl. After a break lasting over three hours, the session resumed, this time under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Parliament, rather than the deputy speaker.

The incident drew widespread condemnation from various political figures. The main opposition CHP leader described the brawl as “shameful.” CHP leader Ozgur Ozel told the media, “MPs punched other MPs, even women. This is unacceptable.”

Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, the head of the pro-Kurdish HDP group, was also punched during the altercation. She accused the ruling party of using violence to silence the opposition. “It was clear that they came with a lot of preparation and planning... They are trying to silence our voice through pressure, violence, and force,” Kocyigit said.

The TIP party has also renewed its demand for the release of Can Atalay from prison, arguing that his continued detention is unjust and politically motivated.

Such violent scenes are not uncommon in the Turkish Parliament. In June, AKP lawmakers clashed with pro-Kurdish HDP MPs over the detention and replacement of a DEM party mayor in southeastern Turkey, who was accused of having terrorist links.

The latest brawl in Parliament underscores the deep political rifts in Turkey and the growing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. As the country grapples with these divisions, the future of its democratic institutions remains in the balance.