Türkiye investigates Israeli killing of Turkish-American activist; remains await repatriation

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has announced an investigation into the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist, who was killed by Israeli forces in Palestine. Tunc emphasized that Eygi’s death “will not go unpunished.”

Tunc confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated regarding the circumstances surrounding Eygi’s death. “We will continue to fight for justice for Aysenur, who was killed by Israel,” Tunc stated. “We could not remain silent about our citizen being martyred by Israel’s terrorist actions.”

Her body to be repatriated to Türkiye

At the request of Eygi’s family, her remains will be repatriated to Türkiye. “The body will be transported from Baku to Istanbul and then to her hometown Didim tomorrow,” Tunc explained. “We will also establish an independent investigation commission to prepare a report on this matter.”

Meanwhile, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the procedures for transferring Eygi’s body to Türkiye have been completed.

The ministry’s statement read: “The deceased’s body is expected to arrive in Türkiye tomorrow. We extend our condolences to her family and wish them strength. We condemn this crime committed by the Netanyahu government once again and will make every effort to ensure that it does not go unpunished.”

Eygi’s family arrives in Didim

On the other hand, Mehmet Suat Eygi, Eygi’s father who resides in the U.S., has arrived in Didim, Aydin. Eygi was accompanied by his daughter Ozden, grandchildren, and son-in-law.

The Family and Social Services Provincial Directorate, along with health teams, supported the family during this difficult time. Mehmet Suat, visibly distressed and tearful, was consoled by his brother Yilmaz Eygi and other relatives.

What happened?

Eygi was killed by Israeli soldiers during a peaceful protest in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli soldiers opened fire on participants during a peaceful protest in the occupied West Bank, resulting in Eygi, who was also a U.S. citizen, being shot in the head. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Eygi could not be saved.

Eygi was a human rights activist and volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement, which supports Palestinians through peaceful means against the Israeli occupation.

The movement’s notable members include Rachel Corrie, an American activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Eygi’s killing and pledged to continue efforts on every platform to hold Israel accountable for its actions.