Turkish MPs brawl during debate on jailed opposition lawmaker

Turkey's AK Party lawmaker Alpay Ozalan scuffles with Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP) lawmaker Ahmet Sik, who was speaking during an extraordinary meeting of the Turkish parliament to discuss jailed opposition lawmaker Can Atalay's return to the assembly, in Ankara, Turkey August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan

ANKARA (Reuters) - A fistfight broke out in Turkey's parliament on Friday when an opposition deputy was attacked after calling for his colleague, jailed on charges of organising anti-government protests but since elected an MP, to be admitted to the assembly.

Video footage showed MPs for the ruling AKP party rushing in to punch Ahmet Sik at the lectern and dozens more joining a melee, some trying to hold others back. Blood spattered the white steps of the speaker's podium.