News Editor Ajda Ender
This is the moment a worshipper kicked a cat during prayers at a mosque, sending it flying into the imam leading the congregation.
A cat walks during prayer in a mosque, in Erzurum, Turkey. A man kicked the cat while praying hitting the imam. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
The incident happened at Adalar Mosque in the Aziziye district of Erzurum, in eastern Turkey.
A man kicks a cat while praying hitting the imam in a mosque, in Erzurum, Turkey. He was questioned by police and released. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
CCTV footage shows worshippers lined up behind the imam during evening prayers as the cat wanders among them and lies down in front of the congregation.
A man kicks a cat while praying hitting the imam in a mosque, in Erzurum, Turkey. He was questioned by police and released. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
As the worshippers stand again, the animal begins rubbing itself against the legs of several of those taking part.
One worshipper then raises his leg and kicks the cat away.
The force sends the animal flying forward, where it strikes the imam before falling to the floor.
Despite being hit, the imam appears to carry on with the prayers as the congregation kneels again.
Footage of the incident later circulated on social media and prompted prosecutors in Erzurum to open an investigation under Turkey’s animal protection law.
The worshipper, identified only as S.M., was detained as part of the investigation.
He later told prosecutors that he had not intended to use violence and claimed he had made the movement to make the cat move away as he was preparing to bow down.
S.M. was released after giving his statement.
Officials said the cat was in good health following the incident.
(Harrisons)
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