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Sub-lieutenant O.Y. performing compulsory military service in Ceylanpınar neighbourhood of Urfa province reportedly committed suicide on March 18, four hours before his discharge. He has been buried in his hometown Giresun.
O.Y. was performing his compulsory military service in Boztepe Border Post subordinated to 1st Infantry Border Troop.
“My brother’s suicide is not normal”
According to the report on the website of Soldier Rights, O.Y.’s elder brother Birol Y. has pointed out that his brother’s suicide was not normal and added that they would investigate the incident till the end.
Birol Y. has said:
“We have been told that it was a suicide but no explanation has been made from official authorities. One committing suicide hours before discharge is not normal.
“We have not received the autopsy report yet. The last time, when I met him last week, he was ok. We will do our best till the end to solve this situation”.
Claims of “family issues”
According to another report of the Soldier Rights based on Doğan News Agency (DHA), it has been alleged that O.Y. had committed suicide because of family issues.
5th suicide in 2016
According to the data Soldier Rights has compiled from reports on the media, O.Y. is the fifth soldier reported to have committed suicide in 2016.
It has been reported that 31 soldiers committed suicide in 2015, 43 in 2014, 40 in 2013 and 50 in 2012.
The Soldier Rights Platform claims that these figures only reflect the incidents reported on the media and the actual numbers were 1,5 times higher. (EKN/DG)
