“Man reacts to arrest after parking dispute with judge with ‘he shot first’ claim”
A judge in Turkey has been involved in a physical altercation with a driver after a minor parking accident. The incident took place in Bakırköy Kartaltepe Mahallesi Lavanta Sokak on April 29, when Fıraz Hökenek hit the car of Çorlu Criminal Court of First Instance Judge Mehmet K. while he was trying to manoeuvre out of a parking space. The argument turned violent, with security cameras showing Mehmet K. attacking Fıraz Hökenek’s throat. The fight continued, and Mehmet K. attacked Hökenek again in front of police officers. Despite being the victim, Fıraz Hökenek was taken into custody and charged with “deliberate injury” before being sent to prison. His lawyer, Turgut Hökenek, who is also his brother, disputes the charges and claims that his client acted in self-defence. He also stated that no investigation was launched against Mehmet K., and that citizens cannot be attacked or threatened using someone’s professional identity. Turgut Hökenek has vowed to continue the legal fight and said it doesn’t matter who the judge is or what their status is. This incident follows a recent altercation between another judge and a restaurant owner.
