Turkish Opposition Mps Injured In Scuffle During Security Bill Debate

- Four parliamentarians were left injured late Feb. 17 following a fracas on the first day of debates in the legislature’s General Assembly on a government-led controversial homeland security bill.

The fight erupted following arguments between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputies and MPs from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) during a closed session late in the evening.

HDP deputy Ertuğrul Kürkçü and CHP deputies Musa Çam, Aykut Erdoğdu and Mahmut Tanal were injured, with Kürkçü sustaining injuries to his head.

Woman deputies from the HDP had attempted to approach the rostrum, but female counterparts from the AKP interfered in their attempt, precipitating the incident, CHP deputy Melda Onur told www.hurriyet.com.tr.

Some deputies ran after other deputies with gavels in their hands, while some deputies threw glasses at others, according to Onur.

HDP deputy Sebahat Tuncel’s hand was wounded as she was stuck during the brawl, Onur said.

“I was wounded on the head while I was trying to prevent a punch aimed at Sebahat Tuncel. They attacked with the gavel and bell and hit us with iron chairs” Kürkçü told www.hurriyet.com.tr.

“Hustle and bustle has always existed in parliament but I have never seen something like this. AKP deputies have actually displayed a demonstration of what they would get the police force do if they can manage to pass the draft into law. We have seen a demonstration of their performances. However, this situation has increased our power to object to this [homeland security] package” Kürkçü said.

(PHOTO)

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