Emergency Button Installed in Turkish Grand National Assembly After Incidents of Fights and Heart Attacks
The Turkish Parliament, also known as the TBMM, has recently implemented an emergency button system in response to recent incidents of fights and health emergencies during General Assembly sessions. The tragic death of Saadet Party Kocaeli MP Hasan Bitmez due to a heart attack has prompted the Presidency of the Parliament to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of MPs.
As preparations are underway for the 28th Term 2nd Legislative Year opening on October 1, the parliamentary administration has initiated a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance review of various areas within the parliament building. This includes government and opposition lobbies, group meeting rooms, MP rooms, committee meeting rooms, and press conference rooms. The sound system, which has often malfunctioned during heated debates, has also been inspected and repaired to prevent disruptions.
Furthermore, in response to recent violent altercations and health emergencies, the Presidency of the Parliament has introduced the “emergency button” protocol. Deputy speakers overseeing the General Assembly will now have access to a red button on the presidential rostrum that can be pressed in case of a medical emergency or injury to a deputy. Upon activation, 112 Emergency Service doctors will be immediately summoned to the Hall of Honor, with the goal of having medical assistance on site within a minute. Regular drills are being conducted to ensure smooth implementation of the emergency response system.
These measures reflect the Turkish Parliament’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its members, and to maintaining a productive and orderly legislative environment.
