On Wednesday, January 11, 2017 lawmakers in Turkey exchanged punches
during a debate over constitutional amendments that would expand
presidential powers.
According to Turkish state news agency Anadolu, ‘the fight broke out on
Wednesday shortly after opposition lawmaker Özgür Özel told ruling party
lawmakers “You are trying to destroy yourselves when the TV is off and
nobody sees. We won’t let it happen’.
Lawmakers were debating ending “parliament’s authorization to inspect
ministers and the Cabinet.”
Shortly after Özel comments, fellow members of the main opposition
Republican People’s Party encircled the speaker’s rostrum with arms
joined, occupying the area in protest. The fight broke out soon
afterward and one senior lawmaker with the ruling Justice and
Development (AK) party suffered a broken nose, according to the report.
