Man Stabbed Six Times After Intervening in Istanbul Metro Station Brawl
Istanbul, February 22 – A man was brutally stabbed six times in Istanbul’s Bağcılar metro station after attempting to intervene in a brawl involving a group of teenagers. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, February 12, at approximately 6:45 PM, left 27-year-old Oğuzhan Çöpür with severe internal injuries. Security camera footage captured the entirety of the attack.
Intervention Leads to Violent Assault
Oğuzhan Çöpür and his brother Taha Çöpür were waiting for friends at the metro station exit when they witnessed a group of teenagers, all under 18, assaulting a child. The brothers approached the group, urging them to stop the fight. However, the group responded aggressively, stating, “This is our business, don’t interfere.” While the assaulted child managed to escape, a heated argument erupted between the Çöpür brothers and the group.
The altercation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the scuffle, one of the assailants produced a knife and stabbed Oğuzhan Çöpür six times. His brother, Taha Çöpür, attempted to defend him. After the stabbing, the attackers threw rocks at Oğuzhan Çöpür before fleeing the scene.
Victim Hospitalized with Severe Injuries, Family Receives Threats
Oğuzhan Çöpür was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined that his internal organs had been damaged by the knife wounds. He underwent surgery, receiving numerous stitches to his abdomen, and has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home.
Following the incident, Çöpür’s family reported receiving threatening messages, urging them to drop the charges. They claimed that their home address was disclosed to them, indicating a pressure campaign. Oğuzhan Çöpür expressed his fear, stating, “We are currently receiving threatening messages and voice recordings. They are calling us and saying, ‘If you file a complaint, we will resolve it differently.’ They are threatening our family in this way. A lot has been taken from my life. The child in Güngören (Atlas Çağlayan) died. I could have been in the same situation. As a family, we are now scared.”
Suspects Apprehended, One Arrested
Police launched an investigation into the incident and subsequently apprehended three suspects, all of whom are under 18 years old. The suspects were referred to the courthouse on charges of ‘intentional injury.’
Following their court appearance, two of the suspects were released under judicial control, while one suspect was formally arrested and sent to prison. The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing.
The incident highlights concerns about youth violence and public safety in urban areas, prompting calls for increased security measures in public transportation hubs.
