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Video Shows Turkish President's Security Detail Attacking Protesters in Washington

(New York Times) Malachy Browne - The New York Times reviewed videos and photos to track the actions of 24 men, including armed members of President Erdogan's security detail, who attacked protesters in Washington last week. The men kicked people lying on the ground and outnumbered the protesters nearly two to one. Ten of the men who attacked protesters appear to be part of a formal security detail. They dressed in dark suits, and they wore in-ear radio receivers, Turkish breast pins and lanyards with identification cards. Two of these men charged protesters and appeared to start the main part of the fight. Six men who attacked protesters wore outfits resembling a summer uniform worn by Turkish guards - khaki pants, black T-shirts and green or brown shirts. Three of these men charged at protesters. One man knocked two women to the ground, and another man repeatedly punched Lucy Usoyan, a protester, as she lay on the ground. Some of the attackers who dressed casually and identified themselves as Erdogan supporters played a central role in the fighting. Erdogan watched the brawl from a black Mercedes-Benz sedan parked nearby, at the Turkish ambassador's residence. Video of his entourage shows that at least one member of the security detail positioned next to him rushed into the fight and started kicking and punching protesters. While sitting in the car, Erdogan conferred with Muhsin Kose, his head of security. Kose then talked into his earpiece, and three security personnel who were guarding the president's car hurried toward the protest. The brawl began moments later, and one of these men appeared on video punching and kicking people.
2017-05-26 00:00:00
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