Shooting of pop singer latest high-profile attack on women in Turkey

A man was in custody yesterday after a young female talent show singer was shot in the head in southeast Turkey, the latest high-profile attack upon a woman in the country.

Mutlu Kaya, a 19-year-old Kurd, gained national attention in Turkey in a popular TV talent contest and had been mentored by Sibel Can, a well-known Turkish folk singer.

An assailant shot Ms Kaya through a window of her house early on Monday, the state-run Anadolu Agency said. Kaya, who had reportedly received death threats after performing in the contest, is in hospital in a critical condition.

Violence against women is seen as prevalent in Turkey, and the subject is much debated. The murder of Ozgecan Aslan (20) after an attempted rape in February led to widespread protests.