Turkish opposition MP Can Atalay commenced a 24-hour hunger strike on Thursday coinciding with the opening of a new legislative year in Turkey’s parliament. He is protesting the lack of implementation of Constitutional Court rulings that favored his case and calling for his reinstatement as a member of parliament. Atalay, a lawyer, was elected to represent the earthquake-affected southern province of Hatay in 2023 while already serving an 18-year prison sentence. The hunger strike is a direct appeal for the restoration of his parliamentary rights, which he argues were unjustly revoked. His case has drawn attention to concerns about the separation of powers and political freedoms within Turkey. The situation highlights a growing tension between the judiciary and the legislative branches of government in Turkey. This protest underscores Atalay’s determination to fulfill his mandate despite his imprisonment.