Syrian girl shot by police dies in Turkey

Syrian girl shot by police dies in Turkey

ISTANBUL
A 5-year-old Syrian girl has been killed after being struck by a bullet fired by a police officer during an altercation in Istanbul’s Bağcılar district. 

The police officer was attempting to intervene in a fight between two people on the street and fired shots, which hit Zeliha Jumo, causing her death.

Coşkun Aydın and his friend reportedly attacked a police officer, who was dressed in civilian clothes, for “the way he looked at him” at around 8 p.m. on May 18, as he was waiting at the bus stop. The officer, who was returning home after work, drew his pistol and shot at the two attacking him. 

Aydın, Jumo and another child, 9 year-old Göksu Şancı, was wounded as a result of the police officer’s bullets. 

The heavily injured Syrian girl was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds, while Aydın was in critical condition. 

Şancı, who was lightly wounded in the leg, is being treated at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman State Hospital. 

The police officer, identified only as A.A., went to the police station and surrendered, Doğan News Agency reported.

He was arrested after being referred to the courthouse.