Police Solidarity

Last week in Edirne, four police officers beat up two youths with nightsticks in the middle of the city and detained them. After these images were broadcasted on national television, the police officers were referred to the prosecutor's office with allegations of "mistreatment of individuals."

Police officers Recep O., Erkan A., Ali Osman G., and Mustafa S. were released pending a trial after being questioned.

Some 50 police officers, which came to the Edirne Courthouse during the questioning, celebrated the release of their friends with applauses. The group prevented the reporters from taking photographs or filming the incident.

Some residents, last weekend, complained to police about Mesut T. and Aydin O., who allegedly were drunk and disturbed their surroundings. Police officers, who arrived at the site, beat up the two youths, who were yelling, "We want jobs," and then detained them.

When the incident was broadcasted on national television, Edirne prosecutor's office and the Interior Minister pressed an interrogation. (EU/BB/EA/YE)