Journalist dies in Istanbul airport

Tributes have been paid to a British journalist and student who died in Istanbul, as friends called into question the circumstances of her death.

Jacqueline Anne Sutton, known as Jacky, is reported to have taken her own life at the airport in the Turkish city.

The 50-year-old held various positions with humanitarian organisations and the UN over the years, as well as working as a producer for the BBC, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Sutton, who spoke five languages, including basic Arabic, had been studying for a PhD at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University.

Her research was on international development support to female media professionals in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2013 and she had been carrying out field work in Erbil, Iraq, since July.

Centre director Professor Amin Saikal said people at the university are “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic death of one of its brilliant PhD students”.

Prof Saikal added: “She was not only an outstanding research scholar, but a highly valued friend and colleague who made remarkable contributions to the work and activities of the centre.”

Sutton was reported to be working as the acting Iraq director for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) at the time of her death.

Her friends have questioned reports by Turkish media outlets that she killed herself after missing a connecting flight and admitting she did not have enough money to pay for another ticket. She is reported to have arrived at Ataturk Airport from London on Saturday night.

Journalist and international development worker Rebecca Cooke called for an international investigation.

She said: “Shocking and sad news about the death of Jacky Sutton in Istanbul. An international not just local investigation is needed.”