The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Photograph of Russian ambassador assassination wins top prize at World Press Photo contest
Burhan Ozbilici said of the moment: 'I was afraid, but I did not panic'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A terrifying photograph taken moments after the assassination of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey has been named Photo of the Year in the 2017 World Press Photo contest.
An Associated Press photographer took the photo featuring Andrey Karlov on the floor after being shot by 22-year-old Mevlut Mert Altintas. The gunman went on to shout "Don't forget Aleppo. Don't forget Syria!" and was killed during the ensuing 15-minute shootout with police.
Speaking to The New York Times, photographer Burhan Ozbilici revealed he was only in attendance because the conference was on the way home.
Ozbilici said of the moment: “I was afraid, but I did not panic. I’m a journalist and I had to stand and do my job even if I got hit or killed. At that moment I tried to represent not just A.P. but all good independent journalists.”
The photograph has caused some controversy among photojournalists: while the contest’s managing director said the image was visually strong and a testament to “a brave photographer,” jury chairman Stuart Franklin was worried the win may be “amplifying a terrorist message in some way”.
“I had a moral concern,” Franklin told the aforementioned publication. “I don’t think we can forget that this was a premeditated, staged murder at a press conference. It seemed to me to reaffirm the compact between martyrdom and publicity.”
Over 5,000 photographers submitted 80,408 photos to be considered for the top honour, with Franklin looking at every single one. The chairman, however, did not vote for the winning image.
Other publications with winning photographs included Getty Images, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments