Istanbul Judge Seriously Wounded in Courthouse Shooting
A female judge, Aslı Kahraman, was seriously wounded on Tuesday, January 13, after being shot by her ex-husband, prosecutor Muhammet Çağatay Kılıçaslan, inside the Istanbul Kartal Anatolian Courthouse. The incident, which occurred around 1:00 PM local time on the Asian side of Istanbul, has sparked widespread concern regarding violence against women in Turkey.
Details of the Attack
Judge Kahraman sustained a gunshot wound, reportedly to the groin area, when Kılıçaslan opened fire. The attack took place within the judge's office at the courthouse. Crucially, a second shot was prevented by a convict on day release, identified as Yakup Karadağ, who was working at the court serving tea. Karadağ intervened, subduing Kılıçaslan before he could fire again.
Following the shooting, Judge Kahraman received immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to a hospital. Her condition was reported as stable after treatment. Muhammet Çağatay Kılıçaslan was arrested at the scene and is expected to face legal proceedings.
Wider Implications and Condemnation
The incident has been strongly condemned by women's rights organizations, including the 'We Will Stop Femicides' platform. The group issued a statement highlighting the vulnerability of women, even within judicial institutions, stating, 'Women can be shot with firearms even inside courthouses.'
This event further underscores ongoing concerns about violence against women in Turkey, particularly in the context of the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, an international pact aimed at preventing and prosecuting violence against women. Official figures on femicides are not collated by the state in Turkey, with women's organizations relying on press reports to compile data.
7 Comments
Fuerza
Another individual act of madness, not a reflection of all men.
Manolo Noriega
It's truly appalling that violence against women can happen even in a courthouse, and it rightly sparks outrage. However, while the Istanbul Convention is important, deeper societal changes are needed to truly address such deeply ingrained issues.
Ongania
The convict's bravery is remarkable and deserves immense praise for preventing further tragedy. Yet, it's a stark irony that a person on day release had to step in where the system seemingly failed to protect its own.
Manolo Noriega
See? This is why the Istanbul Convention was so crucial.
Fuerza
The vulnerability of women, even those in positions of power, is horrifyingly clear in this incident. However, it also highlights a broader security failure within public institutions that needs addressing, beyond just gender-based violence.
Donatello
Blaming the Istanbul Convention is a distraction from the real issues.
Michelangelo
That convict is a true hero. He saved lives, plain and simple.