AK Party deputy ‘bitten,' doctors confirm as eyes turn to CHP


An official report by the Forensics Institute has confirmed that Muhammet Balta, a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), was indeed bitten in the leg during a brawl in Parliament, setting a new low for politically charged violence.

Balta was caught in the middle of a scuffle as tempers boiled over in a debate on a constitutional reform package last week. The most likely suspect is a lawmaker from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) who started the brawl and Balta has called on all deputies to take DNA tests to find the perpetrator.

A criminal investigation bureau tasked with investigating crimes committed in Parliament, sought a report from the Forensics Institute and doctors concluded that the wound on Balta's leg was the result of "biting" rather than a scratch during the commotion in Parliament. Ankara Chief Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident upon complaint of Balta.

Balta's case stood out amongst a number of fights in Parliament during the heated session where another AK Party deputy suffered from a broken nose, while several others were punched and had chairs and flower pots thrown at them.

The CHP has naturally come under fire and some lawmakers have even carried signs reading, "No dogs allowed" following the incident. The CHP's deputy chairman has rejected the accusations while Balta has insisted CHP deputies take DNA tests.