Attacks on Alevi houses of worship in Turkey

ANKARA — An unknown person threw chairs at Alevi worshippers in the Shahmardan prayer house in the Mamak neighborhood in Ankara, Turkey.

Local media outlets reported that three other Alevi places of worship in Ankara were subjected to similar attacks. No one was reported injured.

Alevi officials denounced the attacks, saying that “certain forces” are behind them. It is no coincidence they come so soon after recent statements by the Turkish government officials to incite such attacks, said the officials.

According to some media outlets, the assailant was arrested by security forces but it has not been possible to verify the authenticity of the news so far.

Alevi officials added that the attacks on the Alevi houses of worship are also considered as attacks on all denominations and peoples in Turkey and everyone should condemn these attacks.