Driver arrested after assaulting Turkish Olympic boxer Busenaz Surmeneli

Police arrested a man in Trabzon after he allegedly attacked Turkish Olympic boxer champion Busenaz Surmeneli during a traffic argument.

The incident occurred on the night of Sept. 4, at around 10:30 p.m. in the Ganita area of the city.

Surmeneli was driving through traffic when a dispute broke out between her and truck driver Sedat Karatay. The argument started when Karatay attempted to overtake Surmeneli’s car, leading to a heated exchange about the right of way.

According to reports, Karatay blocked her car, got out, and slapped her. After the physical altercation, he insulted her and drove away from the scene.

Following the attack, Surmeneli contacted the police, who quickly apprehended Karatay. The authorities also found an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on him during the arrest.

Karatay, who already has a criminal record, faced charges of intentional injury and insult. After his interrogation at the police station, he appeared in court, where the judge ordered his immediate detention.

In response to the attack, Fenerbahce Sports Club, where Surmeneli is a member, issued a public statement strongly condemning the incident. “We harshly condemn this vile assault on our athlete Busenaz Surmeneli,” the club said. “We will closely follow the legal procedures regarding this disgraceful attack.”

Surmeneli, who holds multiple titles as an Olympic, world, and European boxing champion, did not suffer severe injuries from the attack. The public reaction to the event has been intense, especially given Surmeneli’s national and international reputation. The case has raised concerns about road rage and safety, particularly when incidents involve prominent individuals.

Local authorities continue their investigation, while the legal process against Karatay moves forward.