In a shocking turn of events, the Turkish parliament descended into chaos and violence on Friday when a heated debate over restoring the parliamentary mandate of jailed opposition member Can Atalay spiraled into a full-blown brawl. The clash left at least two lawmakers injured and highlighted the escalating tensions between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the opposition.

Can Atalay, a member of the leftist Workers' Party of Turkey, was elected as a parliament member while serving his sentence in prison. However, his mandate was subsequently revoked, triggering a proposal by the opposition to reverse the decision. This proposal was met with vehement opposition from AKP members, who vocalized their disagreement both verbally and physically.

The altercation began when Workers' Party MP Ahmet Şık took the floor to advocate for the release of Atalay from prison. During his impassioned speech, Şık referred to the AKP lawmakers as "the biggest terrorists of this country." These provocative words prompted AKP member Alpay Özalan to charge at Şık and forcefully push him to the ground. This action, in turn, incited other AKP lawmakers to join in, brutally assaulting Şık while he lay on the floor.

The situation rapidly escalated into a 30-minute brawl, forcing the suspension of the parliamentary hearing. Following a three-hour interruption, the session resumed, and members of parliament voted to uphold Atalay's suspension. Additionally, MPs reprimanded Ahmet Şık for his inflammatory statements against the AKP and Alpay Özalan for initiating the assault that sparked the violent outburst.

Özgür Özel, leader of the main opposition party CHP, expressed his dismay and shame at witnessing the disturbing spectacle. "Lawmakers punching other lawmakers, even women, is utterly unacceptable," Özel lamented in comments reported by Reuters. This incident further underscores the troubling trend of physical altercations within the Turkish parliament.

This clash follows a previous episode in June, where members of the AKP and opposition lawmakers engaged in a scuffle over the detention of a pro-Kurdish mayor. These repeated instances of violence in the parliamentary chamber raise concerns about the state of democracy and civility in Turkey's political landscape.

The aftermath of this brawl leaves a somber reminder of the deep divisions and animosity that persist among politicians in the country. As Turkey moves forward, it is crucial for lawmakers to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, promoting transparency and democratic values rather than resorting to physical aggression.