Arrest Made in School Principal Murder: Attacker’s Statement Revealed
A 17-year-old Iraqi student, identified as YK, has been arrested after attacking and killing İbrahim Oktugan, a 74-year-old principal at a private high school in Istanbul’s Eyüpsultan district. The incident, which occurred after a dispute between the suspect and the victim, resulted in Oktugan losing his life after being shot twice in the vital body area.
Following his arrest, YK provided a statement to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, where he claimed that he did not intend to kill Oktugan and expressed regret for his actions. According to YK’s testimony, the attack was fueled by a previous altercation between the victim and the suspect’s mother, which led to escalating tensions.
The incident has shaken the community, with students and teachers mourning the loss of Oktugan, who was described as a dedicated educator. Security camera footage of YK entering and leaving the school premises before and after the attack has been released, capturing the chaotic moments that unfolded on that fateful day.
In response to the tragic event, Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim Sen) Chairman Kemal Irmak announced a work stoppage on May 10 to protest the murder of Oktugan and to raise awareness about violence against educators. Additionally, Memur-Sen Chairman Ali Yalçın stated that they will hold a press conference to denounce the incident and demand justice for the victim.
The investigation into the attack revealed that YK has a criminal record for negligent injury and other offenses. Despite the suspect’s claims of not intending to kill Oktugan, the consequences of his actions have left a lasting impact on the school community and beyond. Oktugan’s funeral ceremony was held, attended by family, colleagues, and local officials, as they paid their final respects to a beloved educator whose life was tragically cut short.
