Turkish kickboxing champion detained after assaulting mosque janitor
Yavuz Ozden, kickboxing champion who assaulted a mosque janitor. (Photo via X)
A former world champion kickboxer Yavuz Ozden was detained after assaulting a mosque janitor in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district, leaving the victim partially paralyzed, authorities said Monday.
The incident, captured on security cameras at Emine Inanc Foundation Mosque, shows national team boxer Yavuz Ozden confronting janitor Osman Amac, 38, following an evening prayer service on Jan. 22.
According to police reports, the altercation began when Amac cautioned Ozden about kicking open a disabled bathroom door.
Security footage shows Ozden later returning to the mosque entrance where he assumed a fighting stance before repeatedly striking Amac, who attempted to defend himself with a shoehorn.
Mosque attendees intervened to stop the assault, which left Amac with a broken jaw and partial facial paralysis, hospital officials confirmed. The victim required immediate surgery following the attack.
“He kept kicking me even after I fell to the ground,” Amac told police in his statement. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning the behavior of a national athlete at a place of worship.
Police detained Ozden following a formal complaint by the mosque administration. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
