Two Toronto Men Involved in Pro-Erdogan Brawl Still Not Arrested

OTTAWA, Canada—Two Toronto men of Turkish origin, Ahmet Dereci and Mahmut Sami Ellialti, who were charged with assault for attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have not yet been arrested, reported the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), citing a Dec. 29, 2017, Toronto Star article.

Two Toronto men of Turkish origin, Ahmet Dereci and Mahmut Sami Ellialti, who were charged with assault for attacking peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters in Washington D.C. last summer, have not yet been arrested, reported the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), citing a Dec. 29, 2017, Toronto Star article (Photos: ANCC/VOA video)

Last May, during Turkish President Erdogan’s official state visit to Washington, peaceful anti-Erdogan protesters, including Canadians, were attacked by Erdogan’s security detail in front the Turkish Ambassador’s residence. Dereci and Ellialti were in Washington to greet Erdogan and joined Erdogan’s army of thugs when they brazenly attacked demonstrators.

“These attacks were not only a direct insult to the protesters and their political convictions, but also an attack on our Western values of freedom, democracy, and justice,” said Shahen Mirakian, president of the ANCC.

“The fact that these two men have not yet been arrested simply adds insults to injury, and we find it strongly unacceptable for our authorities to remain silent and allow alleged hate crimes to remain unpunished,” added Mirakian.

Many of the men involved in the brawl had arrest warrants issued in their name, but not all have been brought to justice by law enforcement, including Dereci and Ellialti. Reports indicate that no Canadian law enforcement agency has been contacted regarding the case of the two men.

While investigations are still underway and the whereabouts of Dereci and Ellialti are unknown, some information revealed by the Toronto Star suggests the two men are no longer in Canada, having fled prosecution.

“We call upon our government to work closely with law enforcement agencies in the United States and take all steps necessary to bring these men to justice,” Mirakian said.