Journalist attacked with a knife in Diyarbakır

The incident occurred yesterday evening in the parking lot of a patisserie in the central Kayapınar district, where journalist Fuat Bulut had attended the first-anniversary program of a local newspaper.

THREATENED BY PHONE

Businessman İ.Ş., who was sitting at the same table, took offense when Bulut called him "carefree" during a lighthearted conversation about age. After Bulut left the venue, he received a phone call from İ.Ş. Allegedly, İ.Ş. said to Bulut: "How could you call me carefree in front of everyone? Are you trying to get yourself shot?" He then proceeded to threaten and insult him.

ATTACKED BY TWO PEOPLE

While Bulut was walking toward the parking lot after sitting with friends at the patisserie in the evening, he was attacked with kicks, punches, and a knife by two individuals sent by İ.Ş. Bulut was taken to the hospital and placed under treatment. It was learned that Bulut, who suffered injuries to his ear and various parts of his body, is not in life-threatening condition.
In a statement regarding the incident, Fuat Bulut said that the event arose because the meaning of the word "carefree" was misunderstood.

"THE BUSINESSMAN IS ALSO MY FRIEND"

Stating that the situation could have turned out differently had it not been for those who intervened in the attack, Bulut said: "There was an anniversary celebration for a journalist colleague's newspaper. We had gone to the reception there. We were at the same table as our deputy governor, members of parliament, and NGO representatives. A topic about age came up at that table, and we made jokes to each other about our ages. I used the word 'carefree' for the businessman, who is also my friend, I.Ş. After the program ended, I.Ş. called me and said, 'How can you call me carefree in front of everyone?'"

"IF IT WEREN'T FOR THOSE WHO INTERVENED, A DIFFERENT SITUATION COULD HAVE OCCURRED"

"Later, he insulted me and said, 'Are you going to get yourself shot?' Afterwards, I went to a patisserie to put the matter to rest, and I sat there with my friends. Later, when I.Ş. called me and asked 'Where are you?', I told him my location. My friends also wanted to send me home, saying 'Go, maybe I.Ş. is tense.' I left, and as I headed toward the parking lot, two people attacked me. I know that one of the attackers is a relative of I.Ş., but I did not recognize the other attacker. Two people attacked me with kicks, punches, and a knife. One of them reached for his waist. I don't know if it was a gun or not. People intervened there. If it weren't for those who intervened, a different situation could have occurred." he said.

Mehmet Mücahit Ceylan, President of the Southeastern Journalists Association,went to the hospital immediately after the attack to visit Bulut, who is a member of the association, and wished him a speedy recovery.

PROMPT STATEMENT FROM GGC

Calling for the attack not to go unpunished, Ceylan stated, "Fuat Bulut, a member of the Southeast Journalists Association and Managing Editor of the Güneydoğu Ekspres newspaper, received threats by phone yesterday evening and was subsequently attacked with a weapon and beaten by individuals sent by the person who threatened him. He was later taken to Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital for treatment. He is currently not in life-threatening condition. However, today a journalist was attacked in the middle of a city like Diyarbakır by thugs incited by someone. This must never go unpunished. We call on our police department and the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to take action." he said.

News Source: İHA