Arrestment in Assault against Journalist Ahmet Hakan

Out of seven people consist of four men attacking Hurriyet daily writer Ahmet Hakan and three police officers detained over the claims of instigating, one has been arrested, others released.

Journalist Ahmet Hakan was attacked in front of his house following the program “Neutral Zone” (Tarafsız Bölge) he anchors on CNN Turk on the night of Sept. 30.

After the assault A.Ş., K.E., F.E. and U.A. had given the names of former special operation cop Y.K.G., former police officers N.Ö. and S.A. as instigators during the cross-examining. These figures as well were taken into custody and questioned.  

Seven suspects were issued to İstanbul 6th Penal Judicature of Peace for arrest over charges of “threat, forming illegal organization, intentional injury, causing damage to property and battery” following 6.5 hours of interrogation.

While judicature ruled on the arrest of one of the attackers, Ahmet Şengüler, over “intentional injury”, and the other three K.E., F.E. and U.A. were released on the condition of judicial control, former police officers were released. As the court imposes restrictions on the file, the lawyers said even they were not informed regarding the case.   

Erdoğan spoke about Hakan

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan prior to setting out for France, Belgium, and Japan held a press news conference at the Atatürk Airport State Guesthouse. “My press agent called him. He expressed our thoughts on this matter and ‘get well’ wishes. We are against violence. Our attitude towards especially freedom of press as of our Prime Ministry term has always been evident. Hopefully all media organs display the same sensitivity and don’t say ‘help’ only when it happens to them. May they show the same sensitivity when it comes over the others too,” said Erdoğan as to the assault against Ahmet Hakan. (NV/TK) 

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