Firuzağa Assailants Released
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The assailants D.B. and S.T. raiding record store which was holding Radiohead event on the excuse that people were drinking alcohol, have been released following prosecution testimonies.
According to the report of Doğan News Agency (DHA), D.B. said the following in his testimony:
“Insult and disrespect against my wife has made me feel humiliated”
“As I arrived home, I saw my wife very upset. When I asked why, she told me that a group is listening to music on the street and could hardly pass by with the baby car.
“After my wife reacted against this situation, one of those in the group said ‘Just leave If you don’t like it’ and swore at her.
“I got angry because of that. I went to the store alone. The group inside was consuming alcohol. I told them ‘Some swore at my wife in the morning’.
“One of them said ‘Leave if you don’t like’ and swore at me. They pushed me towards inside the store. I explained this to the store owner and asked him to turn off the music.
“I took him outside and showed him the scene. A scuffle sparked, I don’t remember what happened afterwards”.
“D.B. is my childhood friend”
S.T. said the following:
“I have a friend close to the scene of the incident. I heard one swearing as I was walking down the street after fast-breaking meal.
“Scuffle took place right before I arrived. This is as much as I am related to the incident.
“D.B. is my childhood friend, I didn’t insult or threat anybody”.
What had happened?
Attack was launched on the excuse that alcohol was being consumed on the Radiohead event held in the venue called Velvet Indieground Records in Firuzağa neighborhood in Beyoğlu of İstanbul on June 17 evening.
D.B. who has been released following his prosecution testimony is seen on Periscope broadcast as he hurls around and batters those in the shop due to alcohol consumption in the Ramadan.
D.B. and others with him tell them that they will never drink alcohol in the Ramadan again, and attack those outside the store.
Radiohead condemns the attack
Following the attack on the Radiohead event, the band issued a statement.
The statement reads as follows:
"Our hearts go out to those attacked at Velvet IndieGround in Istanbul.
"We hope that someday we will be able to look back on such acts of violent intolerance as things of the ancient past.
"For now, we can only offer our fans in Istanbul our love and support."
Property owner has manager empty the store
Manager of the Velvet Indieground, Seogu Lee emptied the store and left the neighborhood in line with instruction of the property owner.
Police attacked on the protestors
Those who wanted to protest the assault rallied in Firuzağa square at 9 p.m. on June 18 Saturday.
However, the police announcing the group to disperse attacked the protesters with pepper gas.
Police's making announcement to people during the protest as "don't laugh" drew attention. (EKN/TK)
* Photo: Mustafa Hatipoğlu / AA
