A Critical Discourse Analysis of News on the Assassination of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov
Prof. Dr. Ömer Özer

Abstract
This study, by using Teun Adrian van Dijk's critical discourse approach analyzes the news published in YeniŞafak newspaper between 20-21-22 December 2016 covering the assassination of Andrey Karlov, Russian Ambassador to Turkey who was shot dead on December 19, 2016 in Ankara. The reason for the choice of Yenişafak newspaper is that it stands close to the Justice and Development Party (AKP). It is possible to say that Karlov’s assassination news was presented ideologically. As a result of the critical discourse analysis, it is seen that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly condemned the murder and described it as a despicable and treacherous act. Erdoğan has done his duty and called Putin. Both leaders have come to an agreement: The assault is a clear provocative act against Turkey-Russia relations. This might be true. Nevertheless there are still issues that need to be clarified. Russian Ambassador lost his life. He could have been alive today. How did the murderer, an off-duty police officer, enter the exhibition hall? How did he kill him freely? These questions remain unanswered. The Republic of Turkey could not protect the ambassador. Ambassador’s unwillingness for security guards cannot be the justification of this incident.

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