Turkey Requests Extradition of Boy and Mother to the U.S. After Fatal Car Accident

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on Tuesday that Turkey has requested the extradition of a 16-year-old boy and his mother to the United States following a fatal car accident in Istanbul. The Turkish authorities identified the boy, who was driving without a license, by just his initials due to his minor status. Turkish media reported that the accident, which occurred in northern Istanbul on March 1, resulted in one death and four injuries. Some media outlets indicated that the boy holds dual Turkish and American citizenship, which Turkish authorities have not confirmed. The justice minister informed reporters that the boy, accused of causing death by negligence, and his mother, accused of aiding a criminal, traveled after the incident to Egypt and then to the United States. Tunc explained that Turkey formally requested the extradition of both individuals from the U.S. on March 7 through diplomatic channels and Interpol, adding that the U.S. Department of Justice requested additional documents from Turkey on Tuesday. He stated, "We have completed the documents. We are closely monitoring the process. We hope for a positive response from the U.S. administration."