US doesn’t tolerate intimidation and violence against freedom of speech – Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Erdogan’s bodyguard entourage incident

YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The US State Department will continue working with law enforcement agencies amid the investigation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security detail’s attack on protesters in Washington D.C., State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said at a press briefing.

She quoted Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s earlier statement on the matter “The charges filed against 12 Turkish security officials send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression. The State Department will continue to work with law enforcement and the relevant legal authorities in the case. When an outcome is reached, the department will determine if any additional steps will need to be taken.”

Asked if the US will request the extradition of the bodyguards from Turkey, she refused to answer.

“Our focus is to work with law enforcement officials to ensure that those who are responsible for the violence are held accountable for those actions”, she said.

Earlier arrest warrants were issued by US law enforcement for 12 bodyguards of the Turkish president.