Turkey opens probe into murder of Turkish activist by Israeli forces
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The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation under domestic law, focusing on crimes committed against Turkish citizens abroad.
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Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc speaks to reporters in the capital Ankara, Turkey, Dec. 7, 2023. (AA Photo)
Turkey has launched a formal investigation into the murder of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on Thursday.
The investigation comes after Eygi was killed in an "unlawful terrorist attack by Israeli attackers" during recent violence in the region, as per Justice Tunc's statement, who affirmed that Turkey cannot remain silent about the death of its citizen.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation under domestic law, focusing on crimes committed against Turkish citizens abroad.
The case will seek to charge those responsible with "premeditated murder," categorizing the act as a "crime against humanity."
Read more: Israeli soldier who 'took kill shot' at Eygi 'shouted in joy': Witness
Turkey plans to take its pursuit of justice to the international level, requesting arrest warrants through Interpol’s red notice system.
Minister Tunc stressed the country's determination, stating, "We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable."
Narin evladımızın katili ya da katillerine en ağır cezayı vermek boynumuzun borcudur. Bundan hiç kimsenin şüphesi olmasın. pic.twitter.com/tt6Mo602Uc
— Yılmaz TUNÇ (@yilmaztunc) September 12, 2024
In a bid to escalate the case further, Turkey will push for the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions to take immediate action, calling for the formation of an independent commission of inquiry.
The findings from this commission will be incorporated into ongoing legal proceedings, including genocide cases at the International Court of Justice and investigations at the International Criminal Court.
"We will continue to defend Aysenur's rights and advocate for justice for all those affected by the violence," Tunc said, adding that Turkey will also continue its efforts to support Palestinian rights and work towards ending the bloodshed in the region.
Read more: Arab League, foreign officials condemn Israeli extremism in Palestine
Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was killed on September 6 by Israeli troops during an anti-settlement protest in the occupied West Bank.
She was participating in a protest when she was fatally shot in the head, leading to international calls for an investigation into the killing.
Fouad Nafaa, director of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, reported to Anadolu Agency that Eygi arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and, despite medical efforts to revive her, she did not survive.
Eyewitnesses said Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition at a group of Palestinians protesting against the illegal Zionist settlements on Mount Sbeih in Beita, south of Nablus.
