Policy punch-up as brawls break outs in Turkey's parliament over judicial reform
- 10 years ago
There was fighting on the floor of Turkey’s parliament after the passing of a bill giving the country’s justice minister more power.
Local news reports say an MP for the main opposition party was taken to hospital with a broken nose and another politician suffered broken fingers.
Debating on the proposed reforms lasted more than 20 hours. Those against the changes say they limit the judiciary’s independence.
The plans drew criticism from the EU when Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Brussels last month.
Erdogan argues the judiciary is under the influence US-based cleric Fethullah Gullen.
The prime minister blames former ally Gullen for instigating the corruption investigation that has wreaked havoc on Erdogan’s administration. There have been resignations from his cabinet, a reshuffle and the arrests of three sons of ministers – two of whom have been charged.
Protesters are angry that the inquiry appears to have uncovered graft in such close proximity to the prime minister.
Erdogan has sacked or reassigned judges and top police officers who he accuses of acting politically.
Local news reports say an MP for the main opposition party was taken to hospital with a broken nose and another politician suffered broken fingers.
Debating on the proposed reforms lasted more than 20 hours. Those against the changes say they limit the judiciary’s independence.
The plans drew criticism from the EU when Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Brussels last month.
Erdogan argues the judiciary is under the influence US-based cleric Fethullah Gullen.
The prime minister blames former ally Gullen for instigating the corruption investigation that has wreaked havoc on Erdogan’s administration. There have been resignations from his cabinet, a reshuffle and the arrests of three sons of ministers – two of whom have been charged.
Protesters are angry that the inquiry appears to have uncovered graft in such close proximity to the prime minister.
Erdogan has sacked or reassigned judges and top police officers who he accuses of acting politically.