Locals saved me from death, pilot beaten by Kuwaiti Embassy staff says

ŞANLIURFA

The incident has triggered a minor diplomatic spat between Kuwait and Turkey. DHA Photo

Hakan Karakuş, the Turkish fighter pilot who was allegedly beaten by Kuwaiti Embassy Attaché Amad Ali Almohaid and his Turkish driver, has said in his testimony that he only escaped with the help of the people at the scene.

The incident, which broke after a traffic quarrel in the capital city of Ankara on Sept. 10, has triggered a diplomatic spat between the two countries, with Turkey summoning Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdullah Abdulaziz al-Duwaikh.

“If the people there did not save me, I might not be alive,” said Karakuş in his testimony to military officials, Hürriyet has learned.

“The man who attacked me was tall, muscular and had brown hair. The one who was leading him in Arabic was curly haired and had a belly,” he added.

His statements echoed his testimony, delivered on Sept. 18.

Before attacking, the driver said “Get out of here, or I’ll beat you in front of your wife and kids,” according to Karakuş's testimony. The pilot said he would get out of his car to see if there was any damage and was then badly attacked.

Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News on Sept 16., Ambassador al-Duwaikh said the Turkish court must prove his diplomat is guilty of attacking the Turkish pilot for the embassy to send the diplomat back to Kuwait.