VIDEO: Three Iraqis detained for sexual harassment of Iranian tourists at Istanbul street party

ISTANBUL

Police detain Iraqi tourists in Taksim Square on allegeations that they harassed three Iranian women. İHA photo

Three Iraqi men were detained for the alleged sexual harassment of Iranian tourists during aNew Year’s Eve party organized in Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

Police officers were on guard late Dec. 31, 2014, at Istanbul’s iconic square for the New Year’s Eve party that has witnessed incidents of sexual harassment in the past. The Istanbul Police Department's “Güven Timi” (The Team of Trust) followed three Iraqi suspects on Sıraselviler Street near the square and detained them as they started to harass three Iranian women. The incident led to a confrontation between Iraqi and Iranian tourists at the location.

In their testimony taken at the police station, the three suspects denied that they harassed the women and said they were on holiday in Istanbul.