ANKARA: An opposition MP was attacked in Turkey’s parliament on Friday after he requested his colleague to be allowed into the meeting. The opposition MP was arguing to let in a lawmaker who was jailed for organising anti-government protests and later turned an MP.

Video footage confirmed lawmakers from the ruling AKP get together dashing to punch Ahmet Sik on the lectern. Dozens of others joined within the melee, with some attempting to restrain others. Blood splattered on the white steps of the speaker’s podium.

Atalay, who was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 2022, is accused of attempting to overthrow the federal government by allegedly organising the nationwide Gezi Park protests in 2013 together with philanthropist Osman Kavala, who’s now in jail, and 6 others. All denied the fees.