Reasoned decision announced in Baby Sıla case

In the 33-page reasoned decision prepared by the court, the statements of the defendants, testimonies of eyewitnesses, and forensic medical reports regarding the death of 2-year-old Sıla Yeniçeri were included. The report prepared by the Istanbul 1st Forensic Medicine Specialized Board stated that Baby Sıla's death occurred as a result of intracranial hemorrhage due to blunt head trauma, and it was noted that the evidence obtained revealed the crimes of the defendants.

It was stated that defendant Bakiye Yeniçeri was sentenced to 27 years and 9 months in prison for "intentional killing by omission," "destruction of evidence of a crime," and "failure to report a crime"; the juvenile offender K.A. was sentenced to 20 years and 6 months for "qualified sexual assault" and "intentional killing"; and G.K. was sentenced to 7 years in prison for "qualified sexual assault."

The court did not apply any discretionary reduction for the defendants, and the details of the actions of the juvenile offenders were also included in the decision text. According to the reasoned decision, it was confirmed by forensic medical reports that Baby Sıla was subjected to sexual assault and physical violence.

INCIDENT AND TRIAL PROCESS

Bakiye Yeniçeri, who lived in the Malkara district, took her daughter Sıla to the hospital on September 8, 2024, stating that she would not wake up; the baby was referred to Tekirdağ Dr. İsmail Fehmi Cumalıoğlu City Hospital with a diagnosis of brain hemorrhage and suspicion of sexual assault. Baby Sıla, who was intubated during the treatment process, passed away on October 7, 2024.

In the case opened in line with the evidence obtained within the scope of the investigation conducted against the defendants, the court reached the conclusion that the defendant K.A. had beaten Baby Sıla, sexually assaulted her, and caused her death, and issued a verdict accordingly. It was noted that the mother was punished on the grounds that she acted negligently by not reporting the situation to the authorities and that she destroyed evidence of the crime.

News Source: İHA