Turkey Parliament Brawl Leaves 5 Injured
Punches were thrown in Turkish Parliament, injuring five lawmakers.
— -- Punches were thrown, chairs hurled across the room and more than one lawmaker needed an ice pack.
Video of Wednesday’s epic brawl in Turkey’s parliament has emerged today, showing at least five lawmakers sustaining injuries.
At least two legislators were hit with what appears to be a fairly hefty gavel, two were hospitalized and three others treated in the building’s medical office.
The scuffles broke out during a debate about a new security bill that would give police more power to break up demonstrations, and notably give governors, not just prosecutors and judges the right to order arrests.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the bill was "aimed at protecting social order and social peace.” But critics say the bill violates civil liberties and Erdogan is simply trying to curb escalating protests threatening his party.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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