ADVERTISEMENT

Indictments Issued for Turkish Security After Attack on Peaceful Protesters in U.S.

Assailants kick a protester outside the residence of the Turkish ambassador in Washington, D.C. / Still from Voice of America
August 29, 2017

19 people, including 15 Turkish security officials, were indicted Tuesday for attacking protesters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May.

The indictment charged the attackers of a group of protesters who had gathered peacefully in front of the Turkish ambassador's home following Erdogan's meeting with President Donald Trump, the Associated Press reports.

Video evidence of the attacks was captured, prompting outrage throughout the American media and political establishment.

The indictment describes the attackers as "pro-Erdogan civilian supporters, Turkish security personnel, and staff members from the Turkish diplomatic delegation" who "significantly outnumbered" protesters. It also charges that they "blatantly ignored American law enforcement commands to cease the violence."

All 19 are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. Several also face charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

16 of those charged had previously been indicted on June 13, with an additional 3, all Turkish security, added on Tuesday. Two were arrested in June, while the other 17 remain at large.

Several of those charged are members of Erdogan's security detail, who are now in Turkey and who may therefore not face legal repercussions in the U.S. They may be faced with arrest if they return to the U.S., or expelled from the country if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.

The indictment notes that most of the protesters were supporters of Kurdish independence, but maintains that their protest was legal, peaceful, and permitted.

The attack has previously been thoroughly condemned by the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House of Representatives as a whole, and Congressmen including Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.). The attack is being investigated by the State Department, Secret Service, and D.C. police.