Release decision in the Istiklal bombing trial!

A terrorist bombing occurred on Beyoğlu Istiklal Avenue on Sunday, November 13, 2022, resulting in the deaths of 6 people and injuries to 99 others. The trial regarding the incident continued. At the hearing held at the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court, 8 detained defendants, including Ahlam Albashir, and 1 defendant detained for another crime were present. 6 detained defendants also attended the hearing, which was joined by defense attorneys, via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS).

It was requested that letters be written to relevant institutions regarding whether the defendants have any links to terrorist organizations.

The Public Prosecutor, whose opinion was sought at the hearing, requested that letters be written to the General Staff, the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie General Command, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), and other relevant institutions to request any information or documents regarding whether the defendants have links to terrorist organizations. The prosecution also requested that, upon fulfillment of this request, the file be sent to the Public Prosecutor for the preparation of the final opinion and that the detention of the defendants continue. When asked for her defense regarding the release request through an interpreter, defendant Ahlam Albashir stated that she did not want to say anything.

"ALL THOSE WHO DIED DIED BECAUSE OF THIS AHLAM"

One of the detained defendants, Ferhat Habeş, said in his defense, "I have no connection with any terrorist organization, neither the PKK nor any other organization. She wanted to stay with me as a guest for a few days; she told me they were going to Europe. All those who died died because of this Ahlam; I have no connection to it."

"IT DOESN'T SAY TERRORIST ON HER FOREHEAD"

Detained defendant Hüseyin Güneş stated that he did not know anyone involved, saying, "Some lowlife came; it doesn't say terrorist on her forehead. May God curse them all."

"IF SHE FEARED GOD, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE CARRIED OUT THIS EXPLOSION"

Detained defendant Mahmud El Yusuf, who made his defense, said, "If Ahlam feared God, she would not have carried out this explosion; did she not have the fear of God when she did it? I have been in Turkey for 11 years; I don't know the PKK or any other organization. I have no communication or meetings with them. She came to Turkey 3 months before the explosion; what do I have to do with her?"

RELEASE FOR 3 DEFENDANTS

Announcing its interim decision, the court panel decided to release defendants Bakar Carkes, Hasan Aburas, and Muhap Ammari, taking into account the possibility of a change in the charges and the time they have spent in detention. Additionally, judicial control measures in the form of a travel ban were imposed on the defendants.

It was ruled that Albashir's detention shall continue. It was decided that the detention of the other detained defendants, including Ahlam Albashir, shall continue.

LETTERS WILL BE WRITTEN TO RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS REGARDING LINKS TO TERRORISM

The panel, which decided to write to the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie General Command, the General Staff, and the MİT regarding whether there is any information, document, or statement concerning whether the defendants have links to a terrorist organization, also ruled that the file be sent to the Prosecutor's Office for the preparation of the final opinion and adjourned the hearing to February 12.

FROM THE INDICTMENT

In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was requested that Albashir be sentenced to a total of 7 aggravated life sentences and 1,949 years and 6 months to 3,009 years in prison for the crimes of 'disrupting the unity and integrity of the state' (aggravated life sentence), 'being a member of an armed terrorist organization' (7 years and 6 months to 15 years), 'intentional killing of a child by bombing with premeditation' (aggravated life sentence), 'intentional killing by bombing with premeditation' (5 aggravated life sentences), 'attempted intentional killing of 99 people by bombing with premeditation' (1,930 years and 6 months to 2,970 years), and 'unauthorized possession or exchange of dangerous substances' (12 to 24 years). In the indictment, it was requested that other suspects, including fugitive organization leader Cemil Bayık, be sentenced to 7 aggravated life sentences each and 1,938 years to 3,016 years and 6 months in prison.