Just In: Turkish Lawmaker who suffered heart attack in Parliament seconds after saying Israel will suffer ‘wrath of Allah’ dies in hospital

Turkish Member of Parliament Hasan Bitmez, who collapsed during a plenary session on Tuesday due to a reported heart attack, has been officially confirmed as deceased.

The 54-year-old member of parliament representing the opposition Felicity (Saadet) Party passed away at Ankara City Hospital, according to an announcement by the country’s Health Minister, Fahrettin Koca.

Bitmez, a graduate of Cairo’s Al Azhar University, previously chaired the Centre for Islamic Union Research and had a background of service in Islamic non-governmental organizations. Married with one child, he gained attention for his outspoken criticism of President Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party (AKP), particularly regarding Turkey’s continued trade with Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.

In a video shared by Visegrad 24 on Tuesday, Bitmez can be seen collapsing shortly after condemning the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Colleagues rushed to his aid, and he was subsequently hospitalized in extremely critical and serious condition, as stated by Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

Bitmez’s death marks the loss of a prominent figure who stood against his government’s policies and vehemently criticized Turkey’s trade relations with Israel in the context of the ongoing conflict.

You allow ships to go to Israel and you shamelessly call it trade… You are Israel’s accomplice,” Bitmez said in his speech after placing a banner on the podium reading: “Murderer Israel; collaborator AKP”.

“You have the blood of Palestinians on your hands, you are collaborators. You contribute to every bomb Israel drops on Gaza,” he told lawmakers during a debate over the foreign ministry’s 2024 budget.

Upon concluding his speech, Bitmez abruptly toppled backward onto the floor, prompting fellow MPs to swiftly leave their seats and come to his aid.