SIDDIK GÜLER
TATVAN, BITLIS -Two bodyguards of Tatvan Mayor Mehmet Emin Geylani, one of whom is a police officer, were released on 14 September during the initial hearing regarding their assault on journalist Sinan Aygül, an incident captured on camera.
Aygül, the president of the Bitlis Journalists' Association, was seriously injured on June 17 in Tatvan after being attacked by the mayor's armed bodyguards. The case was presented at the Tatvan 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, drawing attention from lawyers across Turkey and representatives from various human rights organizations.
Defendant Engin Kaplan, a police officer serving as a bodyguard for Mayor Geylani, and co-defendant Yücel Baysal, a municipal employee, attended the hearing from Bitlis Prison. Kaplan denied attacking Aygül, asserting that he was merely trying to intervene in a fight. He also addressed an incident where he was seen displaying a gun, attributing its visibility to summer clothing.
Kaplan claimed that the confrontation began after Aygül insulted them at Can Hospital. He further stated that Aygül has numerous cases related to the PKK, a claim he says is backed by police and media sources.
Baysal's account differed, suggesting Aygül initiated the attack. He stated, "I don't know why Sinan Aygül insulted us, perhaps because I am the mayor's nephew."
Aygül refuted these claims, stating that he was at the hospital for dental treatment. He expressed disbelief that the defendants didn't recognize him, given his frequent interactions with the mayor. Aygül alleged that after the attack began, Kaplan brandished his weapon to deter those trying to intervene.
Witnesses supported Aygül's version, claiming they were threatened by the police officer's firearm when they tried to help.
Aygül's attorney, İsmet Eker, argued that the case should be classified as "attempted murder." Another lawyer, Diyar Orak, pointed out inconsistencies in the indictment and emphasized the importance of camera footage that contradicts the defendants' statements.
Despite these arguments, the court decided to release the defendants due to the duration of their pre-trial detention. The next hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2023, at 3:00 pm.
