Family of Jacky Sutton believes she acted alone

The family of Jacky Sutton, the British journalist and media activist found dead in Istanbul's Ataturk airport, do not believe anyone else was involved in her death.

In a statement released by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Jenny Sutton, Jacky's sister, commented:

“The family is satisfied with the investigation undertaken by the Turkish authorities. We were deeply sceptical about initial reports. But based on the evidence we have seen, at this stage we believe that Jacky acted alone.”

The IWPR added:

IWPR and the family will be seeking a further assessment from an independent investigative expert in order to confirm the findings once the Turkish investigation is complete.

Although investigation is still ongoing, in order to avoid further distress to family members and friends of Jacky, and given the widespread speculation about the circumstances of her death, we therefore state the following:

• Comprehensive CCTV footage with no apparent time gaps, still photographs, witness statements, a viewing of the body by her sister, and a site visit by IWPR and the family all indicate that Jacky was alone and that there was no sign of struggle.
• Jacky had two credit cards and a large amount of cash with her, and there was no indication of theft or of any missing belongings.
•  There is no evidence that any item or material was involved in the incident other than items already in her possession.

Sutton, who was IWPR's acting director in Iraq, had been en route to Erbril from London when she arrived at Istanbul on 17 October.