Two Canadians among those sought by U.S. authorities over attack on protesters

“Recep Tayyip Erdogan was chosen by the Turkish people. We voted for him and we want him to be our president,” Dereci told the broadcaster at the time.

The New York Times reported last month that Dereci travelled to Washington with his cousin.

Also sought by U.S. authorities are nine Turkish security agents and three Turkish police officers, who face either misdemeanour or felony assault charges.

In a news conference Thursday, District of Columbia Police Chief Peter Newsham urged those being sought and some still unidentified to surrender and face American justice, adding two Americans were arrested a day earlier in the case.

The brawl, which exacerbated the already strained U.S.-Turkey relations, broke out as Erdogan arrived May 16 at the Turkish ambassador’s residence after a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

Newsham said video showed security guards and some Erdogan supporters attacking a small group of protesters. Nine people were hurt.

Erdogan’s security detail returned with him to Turkey after his visit, so it was unclear if any would face any immediate U.S. legal repercussions. However, they could end up being threatened with arrest if they return to the U.S. If any are still in the country, they could be expelled if Turkey refuses to waive diplomatic immunity.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Two Canadians among those sought by U.S. authorities over attack on protesters

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