Prominent Istanbul Armenian figure attacked in apparent hate crime

A well-known member of the Armenian community in Istanbul was attacked while at a market in an apparent hate crime.

Garo Kaprielian, a prominent figure in the Istanbul Armenian community, was attacked by employees of a market in Istanbul, Asbarez reported on Friday, citing the Agos Armenian newspaper.

During the attack, the assailants shouted racially-charged and discriminatory insults, according to Kaprielian, who recounted the incident to Agos.

He told the Istanbul-based newspaper that he suffered a broken finger and bruises to his face.

Law enforcement said that the case would be referred to the prosecutor’s office for a pending investigation.

In a statement, the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate condemned the incident, calling it an “unacceptable and racist attack.”