Suspect in Turkish House attack ordered supervised release by US court

Recep Akbiyik, a 29-year-old individual accused of attacking the Turkevi Center, also known as Turkish House, earlier this week, has been granted supervised release by a US court on Saturday.

Ekleme: 28.05.2023 15:20:42 / Güncelleme: 28.05.2023 15:20:42 / English News
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Akbıyık faced several charges, including attempted robbery, terrorism, possession of weapons for a crime, making terrorist threats, criminal damage, and threatening. The charges were presented to him with the assistance of an interpreter during a hearing held at the New York City Criminal Court.

As part of the court's decision, Akbıyık has been forbidden from approaching the Turkish House and its surroundings. The hearing has been adjourned until July 25, allowing for further legal proceedings. In addition, the suspect has been directed to undergo a mental assessment at the Psychiatry and Neurology Department of Bellevue Hospital in New York.

The attack on the Turkevi Center occurred in the early hours of Monday and involved an assailant captured on video footage using a crowbar to smash the building's windows. Akbiyik was apprehended on Friday and has since been taken into custody.

The Turkevi Center serves as the location for various diplomatic offices, including Türkiye's UN Mission and New York Consulate General. Turkish authorities have vehemently condemned the attack and have urged their US counterparts to ensure adequate protection to guarantee the security of Turkish diplomatic missions.

The case continues to unfold as investigators work towards understanding the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident. (ILKHA)