ISTANBUL — 1996 · Murder

Death of journalist Metin Göktepe

SolvedSources: ALast updated: 14 October 2026

Metin Göktepe, a reporter for the newspaper Evrensel, was detained in Istanbul on 8 January 1996 while trying to cover a funeral, and died after being beaten at the Eyüp Indoor Sports Hall where detainees were held. The death provoked strong reactions from press organisations and the public. Ten police officers were tried; five were convicted and five acquitted. The sentences were reduced to 7 years and 6 months, and the convicts were released after some time. Göktepe's name lives on through journalism awards and commemorations.

Date: 1996
Place: Eyüpsultan, Istanbul
Category: Murder
Case Status: Solved
Coordinates: 41.0480, 28.9340 ↗

Timeline of Events

8 January 1996Metin Göktepe died after being beaten in custody.
1996Press organisations protested; an investigation began.

TrialFive of ten police officers were convicted, five acquitted.
Later yearsSentences reduced to 7 years 6 months; the convicts were released.

Sources

Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.