Mustafa Kozak / Antalya, Oct 23 () - Offender having attacked a young group with machete, while protesting detainment of their friends within Kobane events last year, has been sentenced to 10 months and 26 days in jail and 400 liras penalty.

45-year-old attacker, Süleyman Harmankaya has chased the protesters with a machete, with “Mad Gaddar” written on it, then tried to set flags on fire.

In Oct. 2014, protesters have hit streets across Turkey, accusing the Turkish government of failing to take action against the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants near the border, as ISIL has entered Syrian Kurdish town of Kobane on Oct. 6.

Amnesty International has blamed Turkey, urging that police has used ‘excessive force’ in Kobane protests across Turkey, pointing to “a lack of effective investigations into deaths and injuries that occurred.”

At the trial, the defendant rejected the accusations and said the group has reacted when he asked them why they did not hold any Turkish flags in their hands. The defendant demanded acquittal.

The criminal court underlined the defendant’s “good behavior” during trial, shave off the time of penalty to 10 months and 26 days. The court also sentenced penalty for 400 liras.

“The decision encourages similar attacks”

Lawyer of the two students who were attacked by the “man with machete” slammed the decision, urging the penalty was not enough and not deterrent.

(Photo)