A fierce brawl broke out in the Turkish parliament between members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
The confrontation followed the arrest of Hakkari Mayor Mehmet Sıddık Akis, a member of the HDP, and his replacement by a government appointee.
Tensions flared in the Parliament session when HDP deputies raised banners and chanted slogans in protest against Akis’s arrest and replacement.
The HDP lawmakers shouted, “Shoulder to shoulder against fascism,” while AKP members, led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, countered with chants of “Down with the PKK” and tore down the banners.
Footage from the parliament session showed a chaotic scene with loud arguments and shoving matches among lawmakers. Some deputies fell to the ground, while others refrained from joining the fray.
The Turkish Interior Ministry announced on Monday that Mehmet Sıddık Akis was dismissed temporarily, and Hakkari Governor Ali Çelik was appointed in his place.
The dismissal of Akis, who won the local elections just two months ago, comes after allegations of his involvement with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The Ministry stated that Akis was suspended due to his alleged connections with a terrorist organization, accusing him of playing a significant role in the armed PKK.
Hakkari, the region governed by Akis, is located in southeastern Turkey, near the borders with Iran and Iraq.
Turkey has declared that its military forces will not withdraw from northern Syria until the security of its borders is fully guaranteed.
This announcement comes as Turkish forces have escalated drone attacks against positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler stated that Turkey might consider withdrawing its troops from Syria once the security of the Turkish borders is assured.
