Man released by police after attempting knife attack at Fazıl Say concert

İZMİR

A man who attempted to attack world-renowned pianist Fazıl Say’s concert with a cleaver was released after being detained in the western province of İzmir on Dec. 14, Doğan News Agency has reported.

The 33-year-old attacker, identified only by the initials E.Y., broke into the concert hall chanting “Allahu Akbar” and accused the audience of “disrespecting the mourning” of the 44 people who died in the Istanbul bombings on Dec. 10. 

The suspect broke the building’s glasses when his entrance was blocked by security guards outside the art center.

The incident occurred at the Adnan Saygun Art Center in the Konak district at 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 13. The concert was attended by İzmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu.

The attacker was detained by police. He reportedly had a criminal record of drug offenses, but was later released after testifying to the police as there were no complaints filed against him.

“This was not an entertainment show. This was a classical music concert of a world-renowned musician that was organized a few months ago. I harshly condemn the attack. Turkey can only progress by valuing and showing respect to art and artists. Our biggest wish is to avoid attacks like this, this sort of behavior contradicts İzmir’s values of toleration,” Mayor Kocaoğlu said after the attack.