23.07.2025 19:51
In the Konak district of İzmir, the municipal police intervened with a street vendor, attacking him with kicks, punches, and blows before using pepper spray. Following the release of the footage to the public, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality suspended the police personnel and initiated an investigation.
The municipal police personnel, who attacked a street vendor with kicks, punches, and blows when they attempted to seize his stand in the Konak district of İzmir, were suspended after using disproportionate force by intervening with pepper spray.
MUNICIPAL POLICE ATTACKED THE STREET VENDOR WITH KICKS AND PUNCHES
The incident occurred in the Güzelyalı neighborhood of the Konak district. According to allegations, the municipal police teams affiliated with the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality wanted to seize the cart of a street vendor for allegedly selling goods without permission. When the street vendor reacted to the situation, tension arose between the parties. As the argument escalated, a physical altercation began between the municipal police teams and the vendors.
CAPTURED ON CELL PHONE CAMERA
In the footage recorded by nearby citizens with a cell phone, numerous municipal police officers were seen pouncing on the vendor, with one officer repeatedly punching the street vendor while others held him down and assaulted him. Additionally, one of the municipal police officers who was beating the street vendor later sprayed pepper spray into the vendor's eyes from close range.
The footage also showed a female citizen who tried to separate the scuffle being struck in the face and fainting at the scene. Local residents who witnessed the incident reacted to the disproportionate use of force by the municipal police teams. Some citizens tried to rescue the vendor from the municipal police, while others recorded the events.
THEY WERE SUSPENDED
Following the incident, a statement from the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality indicated that an administrative investigation was initiated against the municipal police personnel involved, as it was determined that they had exceeded their authority, and they were suspended. The statement included the following remarks:
"We are deeply saddened by the negative images that emerged as a result of the resistance encountered by our municipal police personnel during their operations against street vending activities within the boundaries of the Konak district. It has been defined within the framework of legislation the limits within which our municipal police are to defend themselves while fulfilling their responsibility to maintain public order and city aesthetics within the scope of their legal duties and authorities. It is evident from the footage related to the incident that our personnel engaged in physical intervention that exceeds their duties in a manner that is not approved by us and does not align with our institution's ethical understanding. In this regard, an administrative investigation has been immediately initiated, and the municipal police officers involved in the incident have been suspended and placed on mandatory leave. After the completion of the investigation, disciplinary processes will be meticulously carried out. As the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, it is our fundamental principle that our employees carry out their duties in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a citizen-focused service approach."