Acquittal for PKK terrorist who martyred 3 police officers: Aggravated life sentence for Sur bomber overturned

A decision that has shaken the public conscience has been reached in the case against PKK member Yakup Akkan, who was captured in Istanbul using a fake identity. On December 15, 2015, in Silvan, Diyarbakır, Akkan carried out a remote-controlled bomb attack on an armored vehicle carrying special operations police officers returning from trench-clearing operations. Special Operations Branch Manager Ahmet Kabukçu and police officers Mustafa Nohut and Nuri Yazanel were martyred in the attack. In another bomb attack targeting a military vehicle in Silvan during the same period, 21 soldiers were wounded.

FIRST VERDICT: 4 AGGRAVATED LIFE SENTENCES AND 353 YEARS IN PRISON

Tried at the Diyarbakır 8th High Criminal Court, Akkan was initially sentenced to 4 aggravated life sentences and a total of 353 years in prison for crimes related to the 3 martyrs and 21 wounded. However, the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation overturned the decision on its merits. Thus, the case was retried.

SCANDALOUS DEFENSE FROM THE TERRORIST

The defense presented by the PKK member Akkan during his retrial sparked reactions. Admitting that his fingerprints were found on the battery pack of the bomb, Akkan said, "I prepared the bomb, but I did not place it." He then added, "The resolution process initiated by the President and Mr. Bahçeli was a step on the path to peace. I am pleased with the climate of peace that was created." He concluded his defense by requesting an acquittal.

ACQUITTED, SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON

The court panel revoked the previously issued aggravated life sentences and hundreds of years in prison, ruling for Akkan's acquittal on charges related to the martyrdom of 3 police officers and the wounding of 21 soldiers. Akkan was only sentenced to 15 years in prison for "membership in an armed terrorist organization." Having been in prison for 9 years, Akkan could be released in a short time if this sentence is upheld by the Court of Cassation.

RETURNED TO PKK FROM YPG, BECAME A BOMBER

In his testimony in court, the terrorist Akkan also detailed his activities within the organization. Stating that he joined the YPG in the Syrian city of Kobani and the YBS in the Sinjar region of Iraq, Akkan noted that he took part in clashes against ISIS and was later called back by the PKK when he returned to Turkey. "They called me back to duty because I had received bomb training," he said.

Police Chief Ahmet Kabukçu, who was martyred in the bomb attack, was laid to rest following a funeral ceremony held at the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli also attended the ceremony. Kabukçu's 3 children, as well as the children of police officers Mustafa Nohut and Nuri Yazanel, totaling 4, were left orphaned.