İstanbul Church Attacker Remanded in Custody

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The perpetrator of the hate attack on Surp Krikor Lusaroviç Armenian Church in Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar, was remanded in custody late Saturday (May 30).

After M.S. was released upon judicial control, İstanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had appealed the decision. İstanbul Anadolu 8th Penal Court of Peace, examining the appeal as the higher court, overturned the previous verdict and issued an arrest warrant for the perpetrator.

In his interrogation at the Penal Court of Peace on Duty, M.S. said he had respect for every place of worship and was ready to cover the material loss. "The incident developed completely spontaneously. I know that what I did did not benefit anyone. I wish I had never done it. I regret what happened very much. It is an incident that I did without thinking while crossing the road. I am ready to cover the financial damage of the church."

He was remanded in custody due to strong suspicion.

After attacking the church on May 28, he was detained and then released on probation.

Another Armenian church in the city was attacked on May 8. After attempting to set the church's gate on fire, the perpetrator said he attacked the church because Armenians "caused the coronavirus outbreak." (EMK/VK)