Authorities on Thursday announced that criminal charges have been filed against sixteen people in connection with a violent clashes that took place last month during a protest in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The charges were officially filed on Tuesday, the U.S. attorney’s office for D.C. said.
Nine Turkish security officers and three Turkish police officers face assault charges after they allegedly attacked protesters outside of the Turkish ambassador’s residence during President Recep Tayip Erdogan’s state visit.
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The charges represent the strongest action taken by the U.S. following the brawl. The Trump administration has been forced into a balancing act in handling the incident as it involves a key NATO ally.
While lawmakers from both parties condemned the attack, the State Department was accused of a weak response when it said last month that it was “concerned” by the incident and summoned the Turkish ambassador for a meeting.