Indictment for church attack returned

The indictment prepared regarding the attack on the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Sarıyer district during Sunday mass has been returned by the 26th High Criminal Court. The reason for the return of the indictment, which was prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and sent to the court, could not be learned.

Afşin Hatipoğlu, one of the lawyers for the church, stated the following in a post on his social media account:

“To the public; the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court has rejected the indictment regarding the Santa Maria Church terrorist attack and returned it to the prosecutor's office. Because there is a confidentiality order, we do not know the reason for the return. The prosecutor's office will re-examine the indictment.”

ISIS HAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK

52-year-old Tuncer Murat Cihan lost his life in the armed attack that took place during mass at the Santa Maria Church on Sunday, January 28.

Of the 34 suspects, 25, including Amirjon Kholikov and David Tanduev, were arrested on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" and "premeditated murder." Judicial control measures were imposed on 9 suspects.

It was reported that a total of 60 people were detained following the attack, and 26 of these suspects were deported. The ISIS terrorist organization had claimed responsibility for the attack.