The Turkish parliament saw a physical altercation during a debate about a jailed opposition member.
A video captured the moment when Ahmet Sik, a lawmaker from the same party as the detained deputy, was attacked while addressing the assembly.
Sik addressing members of the ruling party as a “terrorist organisation” led to a heavy brawl.
In the ensuing chaos involving numerous legislators, a female lawmaker was injured, leading to bloodstains on the podium area. Another opposition member was also reportedly hurt.
The special session of the Grand National Assembly had convened to discuss the situation of Can Atalay, who was elected as a parliamentary deputy for the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TIP) while in prison.
He had previously been handed an 18-year prison sentence for his involvement in 2013 anti-government protests against then-Prime Minister Erdogan.
Atalay has been striving to assume his parliamentary duties, which would grant him immunity from prosecution and secure his release from Marmara prison.
He has expressed his intention to return to prison once his term in office ends.
After the fracas, it was not immediately clear when the parliamentary session would resume.
Watch the clip below:
