Germany's president is considering awarding a posthumous medal to a young woman killed after defending two teenage girls from male harassment.


German news agency dpa reported Sunday that President Joachim Gauck was mulling the honour amid an outpouring of public outrage over the killing.


Germany Tugce

Tugce Albayrak's family gave doctors permission to switch off her life support and she died Friday, which was also her 23ird birthday. (Maurizio Gambarini/dpa/The Associated Press)



Student teacher Tugce Albayrak died Friday, her 23rd birthday, after her family gave doctors permission to switch off her life support.


Albayrak had been in a coma after reportedly being struck in the head Nov. 15 following an altercation at a restaurant in Offenbach.


Police say an autopsy will be performed Monday to determine the exact cause of death. They are appealing for witnesses, including the teenage girls, to come forward.


An 18-year-old man identified only as Sanel M. is being held in custody.