Policeman Tried for Beating Journalist
The Beyoğlu (Istanbul) Public Chief Prosecution opened a trial against Riot Forces Police officer Tuncay Aktaş because he beat journalist Ozan Özhan in January this year. Özhan was beaten by Aktaş when he read a sign board on the wall of the former water depot reading "The Energy of 2010 spreads all over Istanbul" on Istanbul's centrally located Taksim Square.
The journalist applied to the Beyoğlu Chief Prosecution putting forward that a police officer started a quarrel and beat him on 9 January 2010 when he paused on his way to read a sign board posted on the square. He identified the involved policeman in the scope of the related investigation.
A medical report confirmed beating marks on his leg and ear. Özhan filed his complaint to the Beyoğlu Prosecution on Duty on 10 January. After having completed his military service, the journalist learned that a case had been opened against a police officer on charges of "actual bodily harm". The trial started in June. The second hearing is scheduled for Wednesday (15 December) before the Beyoğlu 2nd Magistrate Criminal Court. (EÖ/VK)