Turkey lawmakers throw punches in parliament over constitutional changes

Tensions in the Turkish parliament erupted on Wednesday during a vote on constitutional changes aimed at transforming the country into an executive presidency, with ruling and opposition lawmakers throwing punches and jostling each other. Disagreements over the voting procedures sparked the row. Opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers objected to ruling AK Party lawmakers displaying their votes rather than entering cabins set up to ensure a secret ballot. CHP member Fatma Kaplan began filming the session with her mobile, which AKP politicians tried to seize from her.

Despite the brawl, three of the article's amendments were approved during the session, which continued until early morning of 12 January, Reuters reported. The articles passed with between 341 and 343 votes in favour in the 550-seat assembly. The debate will continue throughout the month, and a referendum on the changes may be held in the spring.