A 34-year-old woman, Bahar Aksu, was shot dead in broad daylight by her ex-husband in central Istanbul. Rustem Elibol, along with three accomplices, attempted to abduct her while she was walking to work. When she resisted, he shot her six times- three in the back and three in the head. Witnesses, including a well-known actress, described the horror of the attack.
Despite previous reports of threats and violence by the suspect, no protective measures were taken. All four suspects were later arrested by Turkish police.
The murder has sparked protests across the Şişli district, where women took to the streets declaring Bahar’s death not an isolated act, but the result of systemic misogyny and state inaction. Activists condemned the culture of impunity and vowed to continue fighting for justice.
