Parties clash in Taiwan parliament brawl

More than 70 lawmakers have been involved in a mass brawl in Taiwan's parliament, as opposition parties clashed.


According to ITN news, legislators from the ruling Nationalist Party, or the Kuomintang (KMT), and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) fought for possession of the parliament speaker's podium.


Three legislators were slightly injured during the brawl, which broke out over a proposal by the KMT to amend the Local Government Act.


The amendment was passed while KMT holds a majority, but DPP legislators stood on top of a desk and accused KMT of bullying.


Brawls in parliament are seen as one way for the opposition to show voters that it stands tough on issues.


"A violent conflict erupted in the process after the DPP had exhausted other means to stop the law," the party said in a statement. The law was passed after the brawl.