Minister: Thirteen detained over mob attack on opposition rally

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Yesterday's attack on an opposition rally in Erzurum, Turkey has prompted an investigation by authorities, with 13 people taken into custody, the justice minister has said.

"The process is being followed by both our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the judicial law enforcement," Bekir Bozdağ told A Haber during a live broadcast. "Those believed to be responsible for the incident are being detained, and officials are currently analyzing footage to determine exactly what happened."

A group of a few hundred people threw rocks at the rally area while Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of İstanbul and the opposition's vice presidential candidate, was speaking. İmamoğlu had to cut the rally short after several people who attended the rally were injured.

The mayor criticized the governor and mayor of Erzurum, as well as the law enforcement officials for inadequate response to the attack.

Bozdağ expressed disappointment with İmamoğlu's tone when speaking with Erzurum Governor Okay Memiş, stating that it was "unfortunate" and that "everyone should choose their words carefully when addressing officials."

"I do not think it is right to have a different approach to state governors, or to look down on them or to belittle them. Just as throwing stones is wrong, Imamoglu's approach is equally wrong. Both should be condemned," he said.

The minister urged everyone to act within the bounds of the law and to uphold ethical standards, emphasizing that any actions to the contrary would only serve to harm everyone involved.

Several deputies from the ruling party praised the attack. (AS/VK)