swimtherubicon

He might be, but that doesn't mean the others aren't guilty of assault.

Indeed it doesn't by law. That's why it's called civil disobedience. I'm not sure if OP was expecting to or ok with being arrested, but I think he should have accepted the possibility. It sounds like OP got a good result publicity wise (not saying he wanted to be assaulted).

America has a long history of civil disobedience when it comes to protesting civil/human rights issues, so it certainly is more egrigious to attack someone that is peacefully being disobedient.

That being said, I would say arrest and charge OP and the other side though. The law is the law, but I certainly think OP is admirable, and I hope his actions continue to publicize the human rights abuses of Erdogan.

True. Possible ACLU would get involved in regard to him being assaulted. Then again, IANAL.

Do you have any idea if or do you believe any of those involved were Erdogan's bodyguards or part of his party? All the media reports said it was unclear.

True.