During an election campaign by Istanbul AKP MP Hüseyin Bürge, a hairdresser who refused to shake the MP’s hand was beaten up by the MP’s sidekicks. The hairdresser was also told his shop could be closed.  

The incident took place in Sıraselviler near Taksim Square. A hairdresser by the name of Mustafa Genç refused to shake the outstretched hand of Bürge, whereupon AKP members accompanying  Bürge argued with Mustafa Genç, after which 3 of them set about the hairdresser.

Genç suffered light injuries to his neck and face in the scuffle. The assailants also threatened to have Genç's shop closed down.

Genç explained what happened: “I was waiting in front of my shop when they came and wanted to shake hands with me. They were visiting shop keepers. I didn’t want to shake their hands. When they insisted I told them I was not from their party and invited them to continue on their way. Then one of them who had a microphone said: ‘How dare you speak to an MP like this?’ I replied that I would speak as I wished and that I hadn’t insulted anyone. They then told me not to curse and attacked me. I didn’t swear at anyone. They incited people to attack me by claiming I had sworn.”