RTSun, 20 Mar 2016 20:30 UTC
© Stringer / ReutersPolice forensic experts inspect the area after a bombing in a major shopping and tourist district in central Istanbul March 19, 2016.
The suicide bomber responsible for the attack in Istanbul on Saturday was identified as
a Turkish-born man affiliated with the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) terrorist group, the Turkish interior minister has said.
The bomber was born in 1992 in the southern city of Gaziantep, Efkan Ala told the media on Sunday. He was
identified by his DNA as Mehmet Öztürk and
had no previous criminal record.
He said five people have been arrested in connection with the bombing, which killed four people and injured over 30.
"We have determined that Mehmet Ozturk, born in 1992 in Gaziantep, carried out the heinous attack on Saturday in Istanbul. It has been established that he is a member of Daesh," Efkan Ala told the media, referring to the IS by its derogatory Arabic acronym.
Comment: The only basis for belief is doubt. How are Turkish authorities so certain? At this point, there are several possibilities, including but not limited to the following:
- Ala in fact carried out the attack.
- Ala in fact carried out the attack, but was coerced into doing so, against his will.
- Ala was a victim of the attack, but is being blamed for the bombing (which was not necessarily a 'suicide bomb').
- Ala had nothing to do with the attack, and the authorities' evidence is fraudulent.
Further reading:
SOTT Exclusive: Another phony 'suicide' bombing in Turkey?
Comment: The only basis for belief is doubt. How are Turkish authorities so certain? At this point, there are several possibilities, including but not limited to the following:
- Ala in fact carried out the attack.
- Ala in fact carried out the attack, but was coerced into doing so, against his will.
- Ala was a victim of the attack, but is being blamed for the bombing (which was not necessarily a 'suicide bomb').
- Ala had nothing to do with the attack, and the authorities' evidence is fraudulent.
Further reading: SOTT Exclusive: Another phony 'suicide' bombing in Turkey?