Published: Less than 10 min ago
At least six people have died and 81 have been injured in a terrorist attack in Istanbul.
The Turkish government sees it as an act of terrorism.
The following is what we know about the incident:
1. Around 4:20 p.m., an explosion occurred on the main street of Istiklal in Istanbul. Films from the scene show how something explodes at a bench next to a planter in the middle of the street.
2. The blast from the explosion was deafening and panic broke out in the crowd. A large response with police cars, ambulances and rescue vehicles was sent to the scene. At least 6 people have died and 81 people have been injured.
3. After the explosion, the authorities chose to restrict the internet and social media. It was justified in order to avoid false information and rumors gaining a foothold. Media were “banned from broadcasting”.
“Do not spread posts that can cause fear and panic,” wrote Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.
4. During the evening, Minister of Justice Bekir Bosdag is in a live TV interview with “A Haber”. He says a woman sat with a bag on a bench for 45 minutes. Then she got up and left. Moments later, the bag exploded.
– We are now doing everything to find out everything about her. We don’t know who she is, says Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ, to A Haber.
The city’s chief prosecutor has launched an investigation involving eight prosecutors and two deputy chief prosecutors.
5. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that they are following developments and are in contact with the Swedish Consulate General.
“I am deeply shocked by the news of today’s explosion in the heart of Istanbul. Our thoughts are with the victims and all who have lost loved ones. We stand with Turkey,” writes Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who recently visited the country’s capital, Ankara.