Taxi drivers protest in İzmir following colleague's murder: 'We want vehicles with protective cabins'

In İzmir, taxi drivers protested the murder of their colleague Oğuz Erge, who was killed by a passenger he had picked up. The drivers carried photos of Erge and signs reading, "We do not want to be killed, we want vehicles with protective cabins."

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Gathering in front of the Türkan Saylan Cultural Center, the drivers carried photos of Erge and signs reading "We do not want to be killed, we want vehicles with protective cabins."

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ali Çetin Taylan stated that taxi drivers are frequently faced with robbery and murder incidents.

WE WANT PEACE, NOT FEAR

Noting that taxis should be equipped with safety cabins, panic buttons should be activated, and in-vehicle cameras should be made mandatory, Taylan said, "Inspections must be increased, and the sale of drugs and unlicensed weapons must be prevented. Finally, the seatbelt requirement for our friends working the night shift should be lifted, as it hinders maneuvering in the event of an attack. We want peace, not fear, when we leave our homes to go to work."

Following the statement, the taxi drivers formed a convoy and paid a condolence visit to Erge's family.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In İzmir, taxi driver Oğuz Erge picked up Delil Aysal (19) on January 31, who claimed he was going to Gaziemir. Aysal fired three shots from the backseat with a handgun, wounding Erge, who later passed away at the hospital where he was taken.