Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz was killed in an armed attack on 31 March 2015 while serving at the Istanbul Justice Palace. The incident sparked public debates on the security of judicial personnel and protective measures in judicial buildings.

Throughout his professional career, Cherry held various legal positions. After his death, his name was commemorated by several institutions; his life and work became the subject of academic and societal evaluations concerning the justice system, judicial security and independence.

Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz

Early Life and Education

Mehmet Selim Kiraz was born in Siirt in 1969. He completed his primary and secondary education there before enrolling at Istanbul University Faculty of Law. He graduated in 1994 and, after passing the examinations for judgeship and prosecution, began his career as a public prosecutor within the Ministry of Justice.

Professional Career

Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz began his professional career after graduating from Istanbul University Faculty of Law and served in various provinces across Türkiye. His first posting was in the Çayırlı district of Erzincan, followed by assignments in the Kazımkarabekir district of Karaman, Iğdır and Osmaniye.

In 2010, he was appointed by a decision of the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors to the Gaziosmanpaşa Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul, where he served for four years. In 2014, he was assigned to the Organized Crime Investigation Unit of the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office. During this period, he led several public investigations.

Throughout his career, Kiraz contributed to judicial processes and held various legal roles in the locations where he served.

An infographic presenting chronological information about prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz’s education and professional career, as well as the events of 2015.

Connection to the Berkin Elvan Investigation

Berkin Elvan, who was injured during the Gezi Park protests in 2013 at Istanbul’s Okmeydanı, remained in a coma for 269 days before dying on 11 March 2014. The incident triggered widespread public reaction. After passing through the hands of several prosecutors, the investigation file was transferred to Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz in early 2015.

After taking over the file, Kiraz accelerated the process of identifying and obtaining statements from the police officers on duty the day of the incident. He requested documents and information from relevant institutions to advance the investigation. It was noted that Kiraz approached the investigation with a focus on evidence and within a legal framework.

However, on 31 March 2015, while at his workplace in the Istanbul Justice Palace, he was taken hostage by members of the terrorist organization DHKP-C, who cited his handling of the Berkin Elvan case as their motive.

Hostage Taking and Death (31 March 2015)

On 31 March 2015, Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, stationed at the Justice Palace in Çağlayan, Istanbul, was taken hostage by two individuals affiliated with DHKP-C. The attackers stated they carried out the action to publicize certain demands related to the Berkin Elvan investigation.

The incident began at midday and lasted approximately six hour. The courthouse was evacuated, and after no resolution was achieved during the negotiation process, security forces launched an operation at 20:30. In the ensuing clash, both attackers were neutralized. Kiraz, who was seriously wounded, died at the hospital to which he was transported.

The incident generated widespread public reaction. The Ministry of Justice and various institutions issued statements. The events prompted a reassessment of security protocols in courthouses and the protection of judicial personnel. The killing of Mehmet Selim Kiraz while on duty was recorded as a significant development within Türkiye’s judiciary.

Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz

Aftermath: Reactions and Commemorations

Following the death of Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz on 31 March 2015, reactions came from various institution and sectors. Official statements by State authorities framed the incident within the context of judicial independence and public order.

Court proceedings across Country were postponed for one day, and various commemorative activities were held. Colleagues and legal representatives made statements regarding Kiraz’s professional qualities.

A formal mourning program, which began on 1 April 2015 with an official ceremony, concluded with the burial. Government officials, judicial personnel and citizens attended the ceremonies.

In the aftermath, institutions and facilities were named after Kiraz; memorial corners, libraries and culture centers were established. Some schools held events in his name.

Commemorative events are held annually on 31 March in judicial institutions.

Social and Legal Debates

The killing of Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz while on duty triggered debates over courthouse security and the protection of judicial personnel. The fact that the attack occurred in a public building with high security standards led to criticism of existing security practices in courthouses.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Justice reviewed entry and exit procedures in courthouses. Measures such as increasing security equipment, tightening access card systems and expanding the authority of special security personnel were brought to the agenda. Coordination was established with the Ministry of Interior regarding the security of judicial personnel.

The way the incident was reflected in public discourse also prompted evaluations on press and freedom of expression. During the crisis, restrictions on access to certain websites and the editorial policies of media organizations were discussed in terms of access to information and journalistic ethics.

Additionally, the security and independence of judicial proceedings, as well as the risks prosecutors face while performing their duties, became subjects of public discussion. Legal circles emphasized the need to strengthen both the physical and institutional security of judicial personnel.

Legacy and Memory

The death of Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz while on duty is regarded as one of the most significant events in Türkiye’s judicial history. This situation has prompted various assessments regarding the security of justice services and the protection of judicial personnel.

Kiraz, described by colleagues as a diligent and principled legal professional, is commemorated in several public institutions. An memorial corner has been established at the Istanbul Justice Palace, a library at Bakırköy Courthouse, and a cultural and life center in Başakşehir. Additionally, memorial corners in his name have been created in some educational institutions.

Each year on 31 March, commemorative events are held to recall Kiraz’s professional life and to share messages concerning the legal system.