Barber reportedly beaten up for refusing to shake AKP deputy’s hand in Istanbul

Hüseyin Bürge, an Istanbul deputy from the AKP, had been visiting shopkeepers in the central Beyoğlu district of Istanbul as part of his election campaign when he extended his hand to hairdresser Mustafa Genç, who did not respond to the gesture.

An argument then erupted between Genç and one of Bürge’s supporters, who was following him during his visit, which eventually turned into a physical confrontation. 

Genç was beaten and suffered injuries during the confrontation. Video footage showing the incident was recorded on the security cameras of Genç’s shop.

Genç claimed a person provoked the group against him by accusing him of swearing during Bürge’s visit. Genç also claimed a member of the group who attacked him vowed he would have the barber’s shop closed down in a short time.