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Session on Lifting of Parliamentary Immunity Descends Into Fight at Turkish National Assembly

Another session on the potential lifting of legal immunity for parliamentarians descended into fighting between legislators from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) on Monday, May 2. The meeting of the constitutional commission at the Turkish National Assembly reportedly took place after a previous session on April 28 was postponed when a fistfight broke out.

The HDP believes the bill is aimed at suppressing dissent against the AKP government. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the prosecution of several HDP members, accusing them of support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The footage, shot by a deputy of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), shows lawmakers throwing bottles and punches at each other amidst the heated debate. Turkish media reports said that AKP Deputy Mustafa Sentop called for a short break to end the scuffles prior to resuming the parliamentary session. Credit: YouTube/Op. Dr. Ali Şeker