Turkish Member of Parliament (MP) who suffered a heart attack after making controversial statements about Israel for its war in Gaza has passed away
The 54-year-old Bitmez, affiliated with the opposition Felicity (Saadet) Party, breathed his last at Ankara City Hospital, as confirmed by Health Minister Fahrettin Koca during a televised address to reporters
Bitmez, a graduate of Cairo’s Al Azhar University, served as the chairman of the Centre for Islamic Union Research. His parliamentary biography reveals a background in working for Islamic non-governmental organizations.
The late MP, who was married and had a child, had been a vocal critic of President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP), particularly regarding Turkey’s ongoing trade with Israel. This criticism persisted despite Israel’s conflict with Gaza and the Turkish government’s sharp rhetoric condemning the military actions in Israel.
VIDEO: TURKISH MP DURING HIS SPEECH CRITICISING ISRAEL
The Turkish member of parliament who gave a grandstanding speech railing against Israel and then had a heart attack has now died. pic.twitter.com/HXC1PevdPW
— Michael Dickson (@michaeldickson) December 14, 2023
The passing of MP Bitmez marks the end of a chapter in Turkish politics, raising questions about the potential impact of his outspoken views on the delicate diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel. As condolences pour in, the circumstances surrounding his demise and the implications of his critical stance on bilateral ties come to the forefront, adding a layer of complexity to an already contentious geopolitical landscape.
