Verdict reached in the trial of a high-ranking ISIS leader captured in Turkey

A verdict has been reached in the trial of 3 defendants, including Bashar Hattab Ghazal Al-Sumaidai, who was captured in Turkey and is alleged to be one of the most important high-ranking leaders of the terrorist organization ISIS, known by the codename 'Abu Zeyd / Ustaz Zeyd'.

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Verdict reached in the trial of a high-ranking ISIS leader captured in Turkey

Bashar Hattab Ghazal Al Sumaidai, a terrorist codenamed "Abu Zeyd/Ustaz Zeyd" and one of the most important high-ranking leaders of the terrorist organization ISIS/DAESH, who was captured in Turkey in an operation conducted by the General Directorate of Security, the Istanbul Police Department, and the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), has been sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison.

The hearing at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court was attended by the non-detained defendant Makaram Taha Ali Ali and the defense attorneys.

Detained defendants Azzam Ali Hussein Al Neama and Bashar Hattab Ghazal Al Sumaidai joined the hearing via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS).

In his defense during the hearing, defendant Al Sumaidai stated that he worked as an assistant engineer in Iraq and that ISIS took control of all institutions in Mosul when they entered the city in 2014.

"I STAYED WITH THEM OUT OF FEAR"

Claiming that he did not subscribe to the organization ideologically or sect-wise, Al Sumaidai continued as follows:

"I did not have a takfiri ideology like them. They took full control of this city and people were divided into two. Some had to stay in the city, and some had to stay outside the city. I had to stay in the city because I have 9 children. After this absolute dominance, they sent their own men to all institutions and pressured the people working there not to leave. My teacher was even killed because he did not share their ideology, and I had to stay with them out of this fear."

When asked for his final statement, defendant Al Sumaidai requested his release and acquittal. The non-detained defendant Makaram Taha Ali Ali also requested his acquittal.

The court panel, which reached a verdict in the case, sentenced Bashar Hattab Ghazal Al Sumaidai to 17 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of "establishing and managing an armed terrorist organization."

The panel decided to acquit the defendant Makaram Taha Ali Ali of the charge of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" due to insufficient evidence, and ruled to separate the file of Azzam Ali Hussein Al Neama.

News Source: AA