Argument of 'You're Talking Nonsense' in the TBMM: 'What a Shameless Person You Are!'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A heated exchange occurred in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) during discussions on a new law.
- DEM Party MP Sırrı Sakık was speaking about the investigation of unsolved murders when the Speaker, Bekir Bozdağ, intervened due to noise.
- Sakık and Bozdağ argued about parliamentary procedure and the proper conduct of debate.
A contentious moment unfolded in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) as discussions commenced on a legislative proposal that includes regulations for exorbitant site fees. The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ, was interrupted by a dispute between Bozdağ and DEM Party Ağrı MP Sırrı Sakık. Sakık was attempting to address the establishment of an Unsolved Murders Investigation Unit within the Ministry of Justice when the ambient noise in the chamber made it difficult for his words to be heard.
We have a need to speak loudly, our corridors are available
Deputy Speaker Bozdağ intervened, urging the parliamentarians to listen respectfully to the speaker and to lower their voices. He pointed out that while the number of MPs present was small, the noise level was disproportionately high. Bozdağ offered the option of continuing discussions in the corridors if a higher volume was necessary, emphasizing the need for the General Assembly to function with decorum. Sakık, however, expressed frustration at not being granted an additional minute to conclude his remarks, leading to a back-and-forth with Bozdağ regarding parliamentary rules and respect for the proceedings.
Please act in accordance with the rules of procedure and the Constitution
The core of Sakık's argument, once he could proceed, touched upon the sensitive issue of unsolved murders, particularly in the Kurdish regions. He stated, "There are no unsolved murders in the Kurdish geography. There are murders with known perpetrators." Sakık called for the reopening of files related to the killings of two Kurdish children in Ağrı in 2015 and other prominent figures like Vedat Aydın and Mehmet Sincar, asserting that the state was aware of these events. From a Turkish perspective, as reflected by Cumhuriyet, this exchange highlights the ongoing tension between political factions regarding historical grievances, the pursuit of justice, and the proper conduct of parliamentary debate. The differing interpretations of parliamentary procedure and the charged nature of Sakık's statements on unsolved murders underscore the deep-seated political and social issues that continue to be debated within Turkey's legislative body.
President, I would be very happy if you start from the beginning. Mr. President, do not break our concentration. There is no need to extend one minute this much. Honestly, I'm surprised what to say. For God's sake, these things are not done for a minute. I am truly saddened.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.