In a shocking turn of events, a fistfight broke out in Turkey's parliament on Friday as tensions escalated over the admittance of an opposition deputy who had been previously imprisoned on charges of organizing anti-government protests. The chaotic scene unfolded after the deputy called for his incarcerated colleague, Can Atalay, to be allowed into the assembly following his election as a Member of Parliament (MP).

Video footage captured the alarming moment when MPs from the ruling AKP party rushed towards the lectern, targeting Ahmet Sik, who had made the plea for Atalay's admittance. Dozens of lawmakers joined the melee, resulting in a disturbing display of violence. Punches were thrown, and the white steps leading to the speaker's podium were stained with blood.

Can Atalay had been sentenced to 18 years in 2022 under accusations of orchestrating the nationwide Gezi Park protests in 2013, alongside philanthropist Osman Kavala and six others. Both Atalay and Kavala vehemently deny these charges. Despite his imprisonment, Atalay was elected to parliament in May of last year, representing the Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP). However, parliament subsequently stripped him of his seat, only for the Constitutional Court to declare his exclusion as null and void on August 1.

In a tense confrontation, Ahmet Sik addressed the AKP lawmakers, condemning their labeling of Can Atalay as a terrorist and accusing them of being the true perpetrators of terror. The deputy parliament speaker declared a 45-minute recess following the physical altercation.

The TIP has also voiced its demand for the release of Can Atalay from prison, reinforcing their support for the opposition MP. This incident highlights the deeply rooted divisions within Turkish politics, where conflicts often arise between different factions.

While not common, brawls have been witnessed in Turkish parliament in the past. In June, AKP lawmakers engaged in a scuffle with pro-Kurdish DEM Party MPs over the detention and replacement of a DEM Party mayor in southeastern Turkey, based on alleged militant links.

The unfortunate brawl in the Turkish parliament underscores the intensity of political rivalries and the lengths to which opposing factions are willing to go to assert their positions. It raises concerns about the state of democracy and the need for respectful discourse within the country's political sphere.