Verdict hearing in the Atlas Çağlayan murder case to be held tomorrow

The trial regarding the death of 17-year-old Atlas Çağlayan, who lost his life after being stabbed during a fight in Istanbul's Güngören district, will continue tomorrow. A verdict is expected to be announced for the 14-year-old defendant, E.Ç., at the hearing to be held at the Bakırköy 2nd Juvenile High Criminal Court.

The first hearing of the case was held on June 9, where the public prosecutor presented their opinion on the merits. The prosecution requested that E.Ç. be sentenced to a total of up to 21 years, 7 months, and 15 days in prison for the crimes of "intentional killing of a child" against Atlas Çağlayan, "threat with a weapon" against other victims, and "violation of Law No. 6136," and requested that his detention continue.

It was stated that the second hearing will take place tomorrow at 10:00 AM and that the court panel is expected to announce its verdict during the session.

WHAT WAS IN THE INDICTMENT?

In the indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, E.Ç. is listed as a "child dragged into crime," Atlas Çağlayan as the "victim," 4 children including Çağlayan's twin brother Doruk as "victims," and 3 people including his mother and father as "complainants."

According to the indictment, the incident occurred on January 14 at approximately 8:16 PM following an argument between two groups at a cafe. It was noted that E.Ç. stabbed Atlas Çağlayan, and Çağlayan passed away at the hospital where he was taken.

The Forensic Medicine Institute report stated that E.Ç.'s ability to perceive the legal meaning and consequences of the alleged crimes and to direct his behavior was sufficiently developed. The autopsy findings regarding Çağlayan indicated that sharp and penetrating instrument wounds were detected on his body and that the injury was lethal on its own.

The video analysis reports stated that E.Ç. and his friends were at the cafe on the day of the incident, that Atlas Çağlayan arrived later, that there was movement after the parties exchanged looks, and that E.Ç. fled with his friends after wounding Çağlayan with a knife.

The indictment also noted that no contact was found between the parties in their 3-month call and base station records, and that photos of weapons and pocket knives were found on E.Ç.'s phone.