During the controversial homeland security bill discussion in Turkey fracas started as a result of which five parliamentarians were injured, Hurriyet reports. The tension around the discussion of the bill escalated when the doors closed for the journalists.
As Today’s Zaman reports the Republican People's Party (CHP) MP Mahmut Tanal said that the brawl started when AK Party deputies walked toward a female deputy from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP). He called this incident unprecedented.
Despite the tense atmosphere in the Parliament the discussions continue. The draft bill outlaws possession of fireworks, Molotov cocktails and slingshots during protests. The bill also says that those who cover their faces during demonstrations will be sentenced to five years of imprisonment. Large powers are given to the police. It will be authorized to use firearms against those who attack schools, public offices or places of worship with firearms, explosives or other weapons.