Prison sentences sought for 5 suspects involved in incidents at Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has completed its investigation into the incidents that broke out following the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby played in the 37th week of the Süper Lig last season. As a result of the investigation, an indictment was prepared seeking up to 6 years and 9 months in prison for 5 suspects, including footballers Jaden Quinn Oosterwolde and Mert Hakan Yandaş.

In the indictment, stadium manager Ali Çelikkıran is listed as the "complainant," while footballers Jaden Quinn Oosterwolde and Mert Hakan Yandaş, Fenerbahçe Club doctor Ertuğrul Karanlık, former Fenerbahçe executive Hulusi Belgü, and Emre Kartal, the son of coach İsmail Kartal, are listed as "suspects."

The indictment, which was sent to the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance as part of the investigation, requests prison sentences ranging from 2 years and 3 months to 6 years and 9 months for the suspects on charges of "intentional injury resulting in bone fracture or dislocation" and "causing disorder in sports areas and damaging facilities."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The indictment states that the incidents began after the match played at RAMS Park Stadium on May 19, when the Fenerbahçe Sports Club technical staff, executives, and players entered the pitch to celebrate their victory. It was stated that the investigation into the suspects was launched after the Galatasaray Sports Club filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office through the lawyers of President Dursun Aydın Özbek, Metin Öztürk, and Erden Timur.

Footage recorded by the body cameras of police officers on duty on the pitch was requested from the Sports Security Branch Directorate and examined. The indictment also includes the information that the footage was silent.

It was stated that a "cervical vertebra" (neck fracture) was detected in the medical report submitted to the investigation file by stadium manager Ali Çelikkıran, who is the complainant. In the report obtained regarding Çelikkıran's condition, which was sent to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate, it was stated that the C5 vertebra spinous process fracture was not of a minor nature that could be resolved with simple medical intervention, did not pose a life-threatening risk, but did moderately affect his vital functions.

The indictment notes that, based on the entire scope of the file, the suspects acted in unity of intent and action during the incidents on the pitch after the match and assaulted Çelikkıran by kicking and punching him. It was also stated that Hulusi Belgü approached Çelikkıran from behind during the scuffle, pulled his hair, and struck him on the back.

NON-PROSECUTION DECISION REGARDING ALİ KOÇ

On the other hand, the prosecutor's office issued a decision of non-prosecution for Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Ali Koç and 17 others regarding the complaint filed by 7 complainants, including Dursun Özbek, on charges of "causing disorder in sports areas," "damaging facilities," "insult," "intentional injury," "public incitement to commit a crime," and "public incitement to hatred and hostility."

The investigation file regarding the allegation that former Fenerbahçe board member Selahattin Baki used insulting language toward Galatasaray Sports Club Board General Secretary Eray Yazgan during the events was separated and sent to the conciliation bureau.

News Source: 12punto