Prosecutor shoots female judge in Istanbul Court of Appeals

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

A female judge serving at the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice was shot and wounded in her office by a public prosecutor on Tuesday following a verbal altercation.

The incident occurred around 1:00 PM at the Istanbul Regional Court of Justice (Istinaf) in the Kartal district. Judge Asli Kahraman, a member of the 23rd Penal Chamber, was reportedly shot in the groin area by Muhammet Cagatay Kilicaslan, a 33-year-old prosecutor from the Anadolu Courthouse. Emergency medical teams provided initial treatment at the scene before rushing Kahraman to a nearby hospital for surgery. Her condition, while serious, is reported as non-life-threatening.

Bystander intervenes to prevent further violence

Details emerging from the scene indicate that a bystander prevented the situation from escalating into a fatal shooting. A prisoner employee, identified as Y.K., who was working as a tea server in the building, intervened as the suspect attempted to fire a second shot. This intervention reportedly hindered Kilicaslan from completing the act.

Official statement from the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a formal statement confirming that an investigation has been launched under the Law on Judges and Prosecutors. The statement detailed the following:

"The suspect, identified as an Istanbul Anadolu Public Prosecutor, attacked Judge Asli Kahraman in her working room. Due to an intervention, he was unable to complete his act. The suspect has been taken into custody for 24 hours and will be present at the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on January 14, 2026, for his statement and further judicial proceedings."

Suspect faces attempted murder charges

Following the shooting, Kilicaslan was detained by police and transported to the Kartal District Police Department’s Public Security Bureau. He is currently facing charges of "attempted intentional murder". Judicial authorities are closely monitoring the recovery of Judge Kahraman as the investigation into the motive behind the dispute continues.

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