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Europe

Lawmaker, chained to rostrum, protests Erdogan powers

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Main opposition Republican People's Party, CHP, lawmaker Baris Yarkadas takes a photo of CHP lawmakers as Turkey's parliament debate proposed amendments to the country's constitution that would hand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's largely ceremonial presidency sweeping executive powers, in Ankara, Turkey, early Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017. Legislators on Wednesday resume their deliberations on the proposed amendments which last week resulted in brawls between ruling and opposition party lawmakers. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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    Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses local administrators at his palace as the parliament continue to debate proposed amendments to the country's constitution that would hand Erdogan's largely ceremonial presidency sweeping executive powers, in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017. Legislators on Thursday resume their deliberations on the proposed amendments which last week resulted in brawls between ruling and opposition party lawmakers. (Yasin Bulbul, Presidential Press Service, Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

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    Lawmakers of the main opposition Republican People's Party and their leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, second right, cast their votes as Turkey's parliament debate proposed amendments to the country's constitution that would hand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's largely ceremonial presidency sweeping executive powers, in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. Legislators on Wednesday resume their deliberations on the proposed amendments which last week resulted in brawls between ruling and opposition party lawmakers. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) (The Associated Press)

ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish legislator has handcuffed herself to the parliament's rostrum in protest at a contentious reform package that would give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office executive powers.

Independent legislator Aylin Nazliaka attached herself to the microphone on Thursday, forcing parliament's deputy speaker to temporarily halt debate on the draft constitutional amendments.

The deliberations on the proposals have been tense and last week gave way to brawls between ruling-party and opposition lawmakers.

The ruling party argues a strong presidency is needed to strengthen Turkey as it faces an array of terror threats. Critics say the changes will give too many powers to Erdogan, who is accused of authoritarian tendencies.

A final vote on the proposals is expected Friday or Saturday. If passed, the reforms will be put to a national referendum.