Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP Alpay Özalan, a former Turkish footballer notorious for his aggressive behaviour on the pitch, has once again sparked controversy after physically attacking opposition members during a parliamentary session on 16 August. The session was called to discuss the reinstatement of Can Atalay, an imprisoned MP from the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP), following a Constitutional Court ruling. The incident is the latest in a series of violent outbursts by Özalan, whose conduct has drawn widespread criticism.
The altercation began after Worker’s Party of Turkey (TİP) MP Ahmet Şık accused the AKP of being the “biggest terrorist organisation” in Turkey. Özalan responded by launching a physical attack on Şık, leading to chaos in the chamber. Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party’s Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit and CHP MP Okan Konuralp were also injured during the scuffle. Despite the severity of the incident, Özalan received only a reprimand, marking the first time he has faced any formal consequences for his actions in parliament.
This latest incident is not an isolated one. Özalan has a long history of violence, both in his current role as an MP and during his football career. Known for his aggressive style of play, Özalan was frequently involved in physical confrontations on the football field, including an infamous incident where he assaulted a referee during a match in 1998. Since entering politics, he has continued this pattern of behaviour, with multiple recorded instances of physical aggression towards opposition MPs in parliament.
Despite his violent conduct, Özalan’s legislative contributions have been minimal. According to records from the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Özalan has sponsored no significant legislation and has made only a handful of speeches during his two terms in office. His primary notoriety in parliament stems from his physical confrontations rather than any legislative achievements, leading to criticism from both the public and his political opponents.
The attack on 16 August has reignited concerns about the increasing aggression within Turkish politics, particularly within the AKP. Opposition parties have condemned Özalan’s actions, with many questioning how such behaviour can continue unchecked in a democratic institution. DEM Party co-leaders Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan issued a statement condemning the attack as “political banditry” and accused the AKP-MHP government of perpetuating a culture of violence both inside and outside parliament.
