Turkey records two fatal student stabbings on exam‑day

On June 9, a 16‑year‑old student, Çağlar Gönülalan, was stabbed in the chest at Vadi Park in Şehitkamil, Gaziantep, during a dispute between classmates. The attacker, 18‑year‑old Halil A., fled but was quickly arrested and later detained. Gönülalan died despite intensive medical care.

On the same day in Ankara’s Etimesgut district, another 16‑year‑old student, Kayra Ataman, was repeatedly stabbed in the heart at a local park. The incident shocked the nation, prompting the victim’s parents to plead for the perpetrators to receive the harshest penalties. Both cases have intensified public concern over safety in schools and sparked calls for stronger security measures.