Ruling Party’s Embrace of Attacker Is a Message to Future Recruits

The treatment of the attacker as a hero is a message to other government supporters. They would not be alone if they do the same — attacking opposition figures.

Only a day after I wrote an extensive piece about the treatment of a suspect, who attacked the main opposition party leader at a soldier’s funeral on Sunday, as a hero, unpleasant details continue to emerge.

Osman Sarigun received a hero’s welcome after his release. An official from the ruling AK Party visited him to kiss his hand, a traditional act that shows one person’s reverence and respect for older members of the society. A hashtag was opened to express support for the Uncle Osman, as AK Party supporters call him. The ruling party circles almost came closer to declare him a national hero, only to the dismay of the opposition. Osman Sarigun, as this piece pointedly argues, has become a national figure of extreme fragmentation and polarization in the society.