ALBAWABA - Gaziantep, Turkey The first court hearing of the case of 10-year-old Emir Baki Bayındır, who was shot and killed in Gaziantep for allegedly making noise, took a dramatic turn. The suspect, Mühsün Taşkın, shocked onlookers with his defense.
The incident happened on August 26 in Gaziantep's Şahinbey district. A neighborhood shopkeeper, Mühsün Taşkın, accused Emir of being noisy and discharged a pump-action shotgun at him while he was playing outside. Witnesses took Emir to a local hospital, but he died. After his funeral at Yeşilkent Cemetery, Taşkın was arrested shortly after.
The defendant apologized via video link in Gaziantep's 13th Heavy Penal Court, saying the shooting was accidental. Taşkın said:
"I shot from 20 meters away to intimidate the kids hurling stones at my shop and ridiculing me. I never meant to kill. Deeply regret what occurred."
He admitted to fighting with the kids and throwing potatoes to dissuade them. Taşkın explained that he mistaken the children for outsiders and was unaware of the catastrophic injuries he caused.
Emir's mother, Tülay Bayındır, demanded the greatest punishment, rejecting the defendant's claims. She said "He kidnapped and killed my son. His claims are false."
The victim's father, Celal Bayındır, stated that his child had the right to play in the street like any other youngster. We demand the heaviest sentencing for this senseless act."
An eyewitness reported seeing Taşkın display a gun and point it at the children before hearing a gunshot. From the window, I observed him frightening the kids. She recalled hearing a loud noise and seeing the boy lying lifeless minutes later.
The court extended Taşkın's imprisonment and postponed the trial to January 31, 2025, to allow for further evidence and testimony.
