Lawsuit against mayor's security detail officer for assaulting journalist

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Journalist Ardıl Batmaz was assaulted by officials in April 2022, while covering the visit of the then-interior minister and then-environment minister in Elazığ, eastern Turkey.

Following a criminal complaint, the Elazığ Chief Public Prosecutor's Office prepared an indictment regarding the assault on Batmaz, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reported.

The indictment requests the punishment for a security detail officer for Elazığ Mayor Şahin Şerifoğulları, who is a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The officer, identified as Ö.F.T., has been indicted for "simple assault" and "deprivation of certain rights."

In his statement, the officer claimed that Batmaz had not shown his press card and denied any physical intervention, asserting that he acted in accordance with his duties.

The first hearing of the case will take place on June 15th at Elazığ 5th Penal Court of First Instance.

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(AS/VK)