Israeli police detain Turkish citizen in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM – Anadolu Agency
A Turkish citizen was detained on Jan. 11 by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem, a Turkish tour guide in Jerusalem has said.
Osman Hazır, 46, was detained while taking a picture holding a Turkish flag at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque, according to tour guide Murat Kundak.
He also said Hazır has been held for five hours at a police station in Bab al-Khalil in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Israeli police forces have yet to comment on the incident.
The situation is reportedly being monitored by Turkey’s Tel Aviv Embassy and Jerusalem Consulate.
On Dec. 22, 2017, Israeli police detained Abdullah Kızılırmak and Mehmet Gargılı after they tried to perform Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa mosque, according to eyewitness accounts.
The eyewitness said the pilgrims, dual Belgian-Turkish nationals, holding Belgian passports, were wearing t-shirts with the Turkish flag when they attempted to enter the holy compound.
Israeli police said they would have to remove their shirts if they wanted to enter, said the eyewitness. The Turks’ refusal was then followed by a brawl and their arrest.
Another Turkish man, Adem Koç, was detained after Friday prayers and was accused of “disturbing public order and attending an illegal demonstration.” The trio was later released on bail.
