Police chief investigated after claims of maltreatment of demonstrators, journalists

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The General Directorate of Security has opened an investigation against Hanifi Zengin, the security branch director at the İstanbul Security Directorate, after a criminal complaint by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA).

The association filed the complaint for "abuse of office," "threat" and "violating the freedom of work."

Criminal complaints were also filed against Zengin for "harassment" after videos showing him touching a woman during the İstanbul Pride March on June 26.

On July 7, videos showed Zengin manhandling healthcare workers during a demonstration and journalists following the incident.

The MLSA filed the complaint in the name of Bilal Meyveci, a camera operator for Artı TV, who was allegedly prevented from doing his job and threatened by the police chief.

The İstanbul Governor's Office notified Meyveci's lawyers that the General Directorate of Security had opened an investigation following the complaint. (AÖ/VK)