Jordan MPs trade punches during heated session

Some politicians objected to proposed changes to the country's constitution

A fist-fight broke out in the Jordanian parliament on Tuesday amid heated arguments about disputed amendments to the country's constitution, at least one of which involved women's rights.

Several deputies traded punches after a verbal row escalated when the assembly speaker called on a deputy to leave, witnesses said.

No one was injured in the fist fight that began over the refusal of a member to apologise over unwarranted remarks during a session to debate proposed amendments to the constitution.

Live footage on state media showed several members of parliament punching each other while one deputy fell to the ground as others shouted.

An argument between Jordanian MPs about disputed amendments to the country's constitution turned physical on Tuesday. All photos: AFP

A verbal row escalated when the assembly Speaker called on an MP to leave, witnesses said

MPs had to separated during the altercation in Amman

Jordanian MPs scuffle in parliament

No one was injured in the fist fight

Live footage on state media showed several MPs punching each other while one deputy fell to the ground as others shouted

Some politicians objected to what they regard as a further increase in the monarch's powers under proposed changes to the country's constitution

The session was adjourned until Wednesday morning

“There was a verbal shouting match that turned into fist-fighting by several deputies. The behaviour is unacceptable to our people and harms our country's reputation,” said Khalil Atiyeh, a member of parliament who witnessed the session.

Amendments proposed to the constitution by a royal commission this year would give MPs the power to choose the prime minister.

The proposals have been the cause of some disagreement in Jordan for a while, leading to demonstrations by pro-democracy protesters.

The session was adjourned until Wednesday morning as a result of the scuffle.