Journalist Ali Bayramoğlu attacked after voting in Turkey’s referendum

ISTANBUL

Journalist Ali Bayramoğlu was attacked after casting his referendum vote in Istanbul at around 12:50 p.m. on April 16.

Former daily Yeni Şafak columnist Bayramoğlu arrived at the Şair Nedim Elementary School in the Gayrettepe district of Istanbul and was initially subjected to a verbal assault. 

Bayramoğlu, previously a supporter of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) but a vocal “No” supporter in this referendum, was then attacked by a group of around 30 people. 

He has reportedly gone to the police headquarters to complain about the incident. 

The referendum that will decide whether to change Turkey’s governing system into an executive presidency with vastly enhanced powers for the president or to protect the current parliamentary system.