Passenger attacks Istanbul Uber driver who asked him to stop smoking

ISTANBUL

A driver for the app-based on-demand car service company Uber was attacked by a passenger and his friends after he asked them to stop smoking while inside the vehicle in Istanbul’s Taksim area on Oct. 18, Doğan News Agency has reported.

One of the four friends who got into the minibus requested via the Uber app started smoking inside, after which the driver asked him to stop, saying the vehicle was equipped with surveillance cameras.

The group then started to argue with the driver, after which one of the passengers got out the vehicle, walked around to open the driver’s door, and started to punch him.

Despite apparent warnings from the other passengers, the attacker can be seen in surveillance footage continuing to punch the driver.

The incident comes after a series of security controversies regarding Uber from around the world, amid growing concerns over the safety of passengers, particularly women.

Uber currently offers three services in Istanbul: Uber Boat, UberTaxi and UberXL.