İlker Şahin (40), a computer-subject teacher at one of Istanbul's Armenian elementary schools, was found dead in his apartment with his throat cut.

This mornings, the body was discovered by Şahin's co-workers who had become concerned about his whereabouts. "He had been living alone in the apartment and could not be reached by telephone for the past three days," a co-worker said.

The victim resided in Istanbul's Kadikoy district and had a daughter.

The murder took place in victim's apartment in Sivastopol Street, Caferaga, with traces of blood stains and a long struggle for survival.

"He lately sent us a mass text message wishing merry Christmas," Şahin's co-workers said.

There have been 3 incidents on Armenians in the past 30 days:

* On December 28, Maritsa Küçük (84) was found stabbed to death in her Samatya apartment where she was living alone for years.

* In early December, another woman (87) with Armenian descendant was found battered in her Samatya apartment. She was hospitalized for two week and lost vision in one of her eyes.

* On January 6, the Apostolic Christmas, another woman with Armenian origin was saved from 3 individuals who attempted to kidnap her. While the suspects have not be caught, locals said the suspects tried to deceive the victim over a payment issues. (NV)

* This article has been compiled from agos.com.tr