Minister of Culture Koc lashes out at journalist

The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Atilla Koc, reacted strongly this weekend to an attempt by a journalist to snap a photo of the minister apparently dozing off during an official visit to the Sivas municipality building.During a photo opportunity at the Sivas municipality, Koc said to Dogan News Agency (DHA) journalist Eraydin Aytekin, "What does this mean? What is your aim here? First you will take my picture, then you will write underneath it 'he is sleeping.' I meant to close my eyes with my hand just now." When the DHA journalist Aytekin failed to respond to the minister's questioning, Koc's reaction became stronger, and he lashed out "I am speaking to you! Why don't you answer? Why have you taken my picture?" Following this, Minister Koc ordered his bodyguards to escort Aytekin from the building, and to consficate his camera. After Akytekin was taken out of the press conference, the guards came back and told the rest of the journalists present to also leave the premises. Â