Murder of Uzbek Citizen Under Investigation in Istanbul: Suspects Arrested

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul issued an official statement regarding the death of Uzbek citizen Sayyora Ergashalieva.

Preliminary information from Turkish law enforcement indicates that Ergashalieva, born in 1994 and a native of Namangan Region, previously reported missing following an incident involving the death of Durdona Hakimova, has died. Ergashalieva was a close friend of the deceased Hakimova.

Investigations revealed that the suspects initially refused to provide testimony regarding Ergashalieva’s death.

According to preliminary data, on 22 January, Ergashalieva and the suspects were together at a restaurant in the Fatih district of Istanbul. During the meeting, a conflict arose between Ergashalieva and a man identified by the initials G.K., reportedly due to Ergashalieva’s intention to return to Uzbekistan.

The investigation suggests that on 23 January, suspects T.D. and K.G., acting in collusion, fatally stabbed Ergashalieva. Her body was subsequently dismembered and disposed of in trash containers in Fatih.

On the following day, 24 January, the suspects reportedly used Ergashalieva’s mobile phone to send an SMS to Durdona Hakimova, arranging a meeting. Hakimova was then fatally stabbed, and her body was similarly dismembered and discarded in trash containers in the Şişli district.

Although media outlets previously reported the discovery of Ergashalieva’s body, the Consulate clarified that it has not yet been officially delivered to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Department.

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul emphasizes that the case remains under close diplomatic monitoring and that the Consulate is maintaining active coordination with Turkish authorities.

Investigations are ongoing. The suspects are in custody, have admitted their guilt, and the case files have been submitted to the court.

The diplomatic mission expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and noted that the public will be informed as new verified information becomes available.