Attackers of Turkish journalist backing recognition of Armenian Genocide are members of JDP

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 2, ARMENPRESS. The persons attacking Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan, who is known for backing the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, are members of the leading Justice and Development political party. “Armenpress” reports the latter referring to Hürriyet Daily News.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu assigned one of the leaders of JDPto investigate the attackers’ political party affiliation and make an appropriate decision in case the information was confirmed.

Four men, arriving with a black Honda at 12:35 a.m. Oct. 1, attacked Hakan in Istanbul’s Nişantaşı neighborhood, as the columnist was returning home after hosting his program on private broadcaster CNNTürk. While one of the assailants targeted Hakan’s bodyguard, others attacked Hakan.

After the attack, perpetrators left the scene with the same car, with license plate number 34 VY 7765. Police detained three suspects after the attack. Another suspect was detained early Oct. 1.