In Ümraniye, Istanbul, a police officer named Şeyda Yılmaz was martyred by a person sought by the police for motorcycle theft.
The 19-year-old suspect, Y.E.G, was arrested by Istanbul Anatolian Criminal Judgeship of Peace. According to the Anatolian Agency (AA), the suspect has a criminal record involving 26 crimes.
The suspect had been taken into custody for motorcycle theft at Dudullu Police Station, but he escaped from the station. Police officers K.H.S and Şeyda Yılmaz chased the suspect. It was reported that Şeyda Yılmaz was killed while K.H.S. and the suspect's mother were injured when the suspect took the officer's gun and fired it in the brawl that broke out after he was caught again in Ihlamurkuyu neighborhood.
The security footage showed that the suspect took a police gun and shot it toward Yılmaz who hid behind a barrel. Meanwhile, Yılmaz responded to the fire but suddenly became motionless and froze.
The security directorate reported that Yılmaz died in the hospital, while officer K.H.S. remains hospitalized as his treatment continues.
The suspect, who escaped the scene of the crime once again, was injured when seized. His mother told Cumhuriyet Newspaper that her son is a drug addict who both sells and uses drugs.
About the homicide of the 27-year-old police officer Yılmaz, several politicians including AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik, several ministers, Üsküdar Mayor Sinem Dedetaş, and former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu published condolence messages.
It is widely condemned that the suspect was freed from any penalty beforehand, even though he has 26 criminal records including intentional injury, sexual harassment, extortion, damage to property, and looting.
The Suspect’s mother also criticized the release of his son despite 26 previous crimes with the words “If my son had a record of 26 crimes, why didn't the police take him away, why did he walk around freely until yesterday? I went to the police station so many times and told them that my son is addicted to drugs and sells them.” The mother P.G. also said “If only I died instead of the police officer. If only I’d taken the bullets.”
It was stated that investigation procedures were initiated against the suspect for "intentional killing" and "intentional injury" and that the suspect was apprehended and detained. He was brought to the İstanbul Anatolian Courthouse with a vehicle belonging to the Environment, Nature and Animal Protection Bureau from the Public Security Branch Directorate. The suspect was then taken out of the Public Security Branch Directorate building in a black garbage bag over him, accompanied by 2 women police officers. Because of this, The Human Rights Association (IHD) issued a call for an investigation regarding the way the suspect was taken away.
After his statement was taken by the prosecutor, the suspect was referred to the Criminal Court of Peace on duty for arrest. In the end, the suspect was arrested by the Criminal Court of Peace on the charge of 'intentional killing of a public officer due to their duty' and sent to prison.
An official ceremony was held in honor of Şeyda Yılmaz at the Istanbul Police Headquarters. Yılmaz's funeral took place in her hometown Sivas. The martyr's husband Semih Yılmaz came with his uniform, hugged and kissed the coffin, shedding tears for a long time.
Edited by: Ömer Gökce, Oya Yamaç