Turkish Police Arrest Man Caught Verbally Harassing Saudi Businessmen In Istanbul

A Turkish citizen was arrested for threatening Saudi tourists with a knife at a restaurant in Istanbul’s Maslak area. The incident, captured in a viral video on social media, showed the man waving a knife and hurling insults at the tourists.

The tourists filmed the confrontation as the man yelled, “Don’t speak Arabic…you’re in Turkey”

رجال الاعمال السعوديين خالد الفوزان و ابراهيم الحديثي يواجهان شخص عنصري بمنطقة مسلك في اسطنبول ومطالبات في وسائل التواصل بالقبض عليه بشكل عاجل pic.twitter.com/VNvsuMtPo0

— Salah (@MrSalah05) July 2, 2024

Saudi businessmen Khaled Al-Fawzan and Ibrahim Al-Hadithi tried to remain composed, as the man waved around a knife, violently yelling at the two visitors. Reports indicated he was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The Turkish resident was soon removed from the scene by officials.

The internet was outraged at his violent remarks, raising concerns about safety of Arabs in the area

Although he was immediately arrested, comments on the video highlight growing concerns about Arab safety in the country following the disturbing incident. Many express worry over such acts of violence and call for measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors, emphasizing the need for tolerance and respect among communities in diverse urban settings like Istanbul.