Just after 6.30pm yesterday evening an explosion hit Kızılay, a public transport hub in central Ankara. According to the authorities, as of this morning, 37 people had been killed and over 100 people were injured.
The authorities suspect that the blast was detonated by a suicide bomber in a moving car. Initial speculation suggested that police officers stationed close to the scene of the blast could have been the target. Kızılay is also close to buildings of the Parliament, ministries and other government buildings. It is the third time in less than six months that bombing attacks have targeted this central district of Ankara.
Amnesty International condemns the attack. Nothing can justify intentionally targeting civilians or carrying out indiscriminate attacks. Those responsible for the bombing have shown contempt for the right to life and fundamental principles of humanity. No individual or group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. Amnesty International calls on the Turkish authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation and to bring all those responsible for the bombing to justice in fair trials.