Following the bribery operation in opposition to Büyükçekmece Municipality Thursday, the place 22 people had been detained, a crowd gathered in entrance of the municipality allegedly attacked a reporter working for broadcaster A Haber, kicking and punching him.
The Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office swiftly issued a detention order for 3 people concerned in assaulting journalist Ahmet Nazif Vural, as reported by Sabah newspaper.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç confirmed the detention of the attackers and warranted that the investigation was ongoing.
The assault acquired sturdy condemnation from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesperson Ömer Çelik, expressing their unequivocal condemnation of the assault.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) candidate Murat Kurum added his voice, stating, “I condemn the attacks against journalists who have no purpose other than reporting.” AK Party Provincial Chairperson Osman Nuri Kabaktepe lamented the incident, noting a regarding setback for press and media freedom.
Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun took to his social media, expressing his response to the assault: “I convey my wishes to the journalist, who was attacked by a group while practicing his journalism profession in Büyükçekmece and I wish him a speedy recovery. I strongly condemn this attack aimed at preventing the freedom of information, which is one of the fundamental rights of the people, and I express that we, as the Directorate of Communications, will follow the process closely.”
The assault on the journalist highlights the risky nature of the state of affairs surrounding the Büyükçekmece Municipality scandal, prompting widespread condemnation and requires the safety of press freedom.
Source: www.dailysabah.com