Turkish ambassador visits Solingen where Bulgarian-Turkish nationals died in arson attack

Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Basar Sen made a visit to Solingen, a city in western Germany, following a tragic arson attack that claimed the lives of a Bulgarian-Turkish immigrant family and left over a dozen individuals injured.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with the victims’ relatives, Sen emphasized the need for thorough investigations in all directions to uncover the motives behind the attack and ensure that the perpetrators face the harshest penalties.

The fire, which occurred on Monday in a 4-storey house in Solingen, tragically took the lives of a young couple and their 2 children, all Bulgarian citizens of Turkish descent. The incident also resulted in the hospitalization of 21 people, including 9 with serious injuries and 2 in critical condition, with Turkish nationals among the injured.

Sen stated that prosecutors have confirmed the fire was an act of arson, citing the discovery of accelerant remnants in the house’s wooden stairwell. He noted the uncertainty surrounding whether the attack was a simple crime, an act of hostility, or a far-right, racially motivated assault akin to the tragic events in Solingen 31 years ago.

Expressing confidence in the German authorities’ commitment to a thorough investigation, Sen assured that Turkish authorities would closely monitor developments in the case. He added that swift identification and justice for the perpetrators are hoped-for outcomes.

What happened 31 years ago?

The 1993 Solingen arson attack remains a haunting chapter in Germany’s history, where five members of a Turkish immigrant family lost their lives in a far-right act of violence amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments following German reunification.

The victims of the attack were three girls, Saime Genc, Hulya Genc, and Gulustan Ozturk, along with two women, Hatice Genc and Gursun Ince. 4 right-wing extremists were arrested in connection with the attack, receiving sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years, only to be released after serving their terms.

Source: Newsroom