15-year-old Syrian boy shot dead in Istanbul, family feud suspected as motive
A playground in Gaziosmanpasa, Istanbul (Gaziosmanpasa Municipality)
The investigation continues regarding the death of 15-year-old Syrian Abdullatif Davvara, who was shot and killed by unidentified masked individuals while playing in a park in the Gaziosmanpasa district of Istanbul on the evening of Sept. 21.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a feud between families and was carried out with a motive of revenge.
Witnesses present in the park during the incident reported that the attackers, dressed in black and wearing masks, fired 12 shots at a Syrian boy.
The young boy was severely injured and taken to the hospital, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.
Arrests, seized weapons
The Istanbul Police Department announced that five suspects have been detained as part of the investigation launched concerning the incident. The detained suspects include two young individuals identified as K.C.O. and F.C.U., along with three others involved in the incident.
The police reported that two unlicensed firearms and a motorcycle were seized in connection with the case.
Allegations of racism
Some sources allege that racist attacks have occurred in the park where Abdullatif was shot, particularly targeting Syrian children.
However, the Istanbul Police Department stated that the attack was motivated by revenge stemming from a previous altercation, emphasizing that the incident is not classified as a racist attack.
Statements from Davvara’s uncle
Abdullatif’s uncle, Mustafa Davvara, expressed deep sorrow following the loss of his nephew. He stated Abdullatif was innocent and had harmed no one, saying: “My nephew was just playing with his friends. Losing him in this way is very painful for us. We want justice to be served.”
Following the incident, police continue their efforts to apprehend others involved in the attack. Abdullatif Davvara’s funeral took place in Kilis.
Family background, Feb. 6 earthquake
Abdullatif Davvara came to Türkiye with his family to escape the civil war in Syria. He lost his mother and siblings in the earthquakes that struck on February 6, 2023, and was living in Gaziosmanpasa with his uncle while working in a textile factory.
