MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The family of a Somali Canadian lawyer, who was killed in Istanbul this month Bashi Hosh Jibril has demanded answers in the murder of their kin amid reports confirmed that Turkish police had sealed investigation into the case.
Jibril died in Istanbul after being attacked in a central Istanbul neighbourhood on the morning of the 6th of December.
He was visiting Istanbul for a few days while on his way to his final destination, Nairobi. Friends and families began to worry when he failed to board his flight last Monday evening and did not return their numerous calls.
Bashi was accosted by three assailants just before 7 am. Surveillance video shows that he was punched once in the neck before falling to the concrete floor and hitting his head.
While unconscious, the attackers ransacked his pockets, taking his phone and other valuables in his possession.
According to witnesses, an Iranian doctor, who was passing by, witnessed Jibril lying motionless on the ground and tried to resuscitate him by performing CPR.
The attack happened in the Beyoğlu district, a historic neighbourhood on the European side of Istanbul that had long been popular with foreigners and tourists.
Sagal Hosh Jibril, his niece, said Turkish police never contacted the family. After getting news of his death from a hotel receptionist, they found a local news article dated Dec. 9, that reportedly showed surveillance footage of the alleged attack on Hosh Jibril in Istanbul.
“We just have a lot of unanswered questions. Why haven’t we been contacted by the Turkish authorities? This is making the grieving process more difficult for our family,” said Sagal.
“We are saddened by the death of Mr. Bashi Hosh Jibril and convey our sincere condolences,” reads an emailed statement from a spokesperson from the Turkish embassy in Ottawa. “However as the judicial process is ongoing, unfortunately, we cannot make a comment on a criminal matter under consideration in the courts.”
Sagal said the family was contacted by Global Affairs Canada and the Consulate General of Canada in Istanbul on Dec. 13, more than a week after Hosh Jibril’s death. They were told Turkish police had closed the investigation, Sagal said. “We need support on figuring out why he was attacked and if there are more people involved in this murder.”
“Global Affairs Canada is aware of the death of a Canadian in Istanbul, Turkey. Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to the family,” said Jason Kung, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada. The agency did not provide any further details, citing privacy considerations.
Bashi is the younger brother of the late Abdurahman Hosh Jibril, a former Minister of Constitutional Affairs in Somalia.
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