Imprisoned Turkish MP Can Atalay holds hunger strike as parliamentary session begins

On October 1, 2026, marking the opening of the new parliamentary year in Turkey, imprisoned Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP) deputy Can Atalay launched a 24-hour hunger strike from Silivri Prison. Atalay, who represents Hatay province, stated that his decision was triggered by the persistent refusal of authorities to release him, despite previous rulings by the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights supporting his right to parliamentary activity.

The protest coincided with significant disruptions by opposition parties during the opening session. TIP members boycotted the assembly, while deputies from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party placed photographs of Atalay on their seats during the address by Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. DEM co-chair Tulay Hatimogullari criticized the ongoing detention, arguing that Atalay should be exercising his legislative duties. The Social Freedom Party also joined the boycott, asserting that the government lacks legitimacy. Separately, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel walked out during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech.

Atalay concluded his hunger strike on October 2, 2026, while continuing to demand the implementation of judicial rulings regarding his status. No immediate change in his legal situation has been reported, as he remains incarcerated despite the ongoing political pressure exerted by opposition factions within the Turkish parliament.