An opposition Turkish lawmaker, Hasan Bitmez, passed away on Thursday, two days after experiencing a heart attack and collapsing in front of parliament following a speech critical of the government’s stance on Israel.
Bitmez, 54, a member of the Felicity (Saadet) Party, died in Ankara City Hospital, as confirmed by Health Minister Fahrettin Koca in televised remarks.
A graduate of Cairo’s Al Azhar University, Bitmez served as the chairman of the Centre for Islamic Union Research and had a background working with Islamic non-governmental organizations, according to his parliamentary biography. He leaves behind a spouse and one child.
During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Bitmez, standing at the podium, criticized President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party for maintaining trade ties with Israel amid the conflict in Gaza. Following his passionate speech, he collapsed to the floor, and subsequent medical examinations revealed complete blockage in the two main veins of his heart.
Bitmez’s sudden demise occurred after he accused the government of being complicit with Israel, stating, “You allow ships to go to Israel, and you shamelessly call it trade… You are Israel’s accomplice.” His collapse prompted fellow MPs to rush to his aid.
Health Minister Koca disclosed that Bitmez’s heart had stopped beating during the incident, but resuscitation efforts in parliament and swift transfer to the hospital kept him alive for a short period. Despite medical interventions, Bitmez’s life could not be sustained.
The Saadet Party, part of the main opposition bloc, had aligned with challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the May presidential elections against Erdogan. The collaborative agreement allowed Saadet deputies, including Bitmez, to secure seats in parliament by being listed on the main opposition party CHP’s lists.
