Photo: REUTERS/Tatyana Bondarenko
Vice speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Adam Martynyuk, nearly choked out deputy Oleg Lyashko during a session in the chamber of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev this past Wednesday. According to reports, Lyashko had asked Martynyuk to let him make a speech, which Martinyuk refused to do on procedural grounds. Lyashko then apparently called Martynyuk a Pharisee (oh snap!), at which point it was on.
Ukrainian Parliament has a history of such shenanigans. This past December, six lawmakers were sent to the hospital after a fight that included fists and chairs being thrown. In that case, supporters of former premier Yulia Tymoshenko had spent most the day blocking legislation by protesting a corruption probe against her. And in April of last year, after voting to extend Russia’s Black Sea fleet lease, members opposing the deal heaved eggs and smoke bombs at supporting lawmakers, who shielded themselves with umbrellas. Here’s a link to the videos.
Oh my gosh they’re at it again! Going for the old “sleeper-hold” this time – oldest trick in the book. Well, that’s one way to silence him. I could be wrong, but I’m betting that poor fellow won’t be asking permission from the vice speaker at their next session. Say Uncle!