Columnist Attacked by BBP Member

Far-right Great Union Party (BBP) Istanbul youth branch chair Mustafa Kayatuzu physically attacks Taraf daily columnist Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı as during a television show the journalist mentions BBP leader Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu's involvement in the Maraş massacre. Yazıcıoğlu died in a recent helicopter accident.

Kütahyalı was leaving a talk show at Kanal 7 when Kayatuzu attacked him. He fainted and was taken to a hospital. Following a complaint Kayatuzu would face legal action.  

Kütahyalı's lawyer Ergin Cinmen argues that this assault should be taken as "an attempt to debar someone from expressing political of philosophical ideas" as described in Article 115 of the Penal Code. If accepted by the court, this crime carries a heavier penalty than sole physical assault.

Right-wing paramilitaries killed more than 100 people in Maraş during the five-day incident in 1978. Yazıcıoğlu was a leading figure in rightist circles then. Although he was never tried with planning and inciting the events, his role is widely accepted.

Kayatuzu said he was sorry after attacking Kütahyalı. The columnist said he had known Kayatuzu and received a blow as he was greeting him after the TV show.(EÖ/AGÜ)