Defense attorney in Barçın Barı case uses 'alcohol' as defense: I use it too

The final hearing for the case of Barçın Barı, who was critically injured on August 29, 2024, after being struck by a drunk driver while cycling on Atatürk Boulevard in Edirne and lost his 33-day struggle for life, was held at the Edirne 9th Criminal Court of First Instance.

Attorneys for the late cyclist Barçın Barı stated in their defense that the defendant, driver B.K., had previously had his license suspended twice for driving under the influence and that his blood alcohol level was measured at 300 promille at the time of the accident.

Demirkan Çağlayan, the attorney for the detained defendant driver B.K., also presented a defense during the hearing. Starting his defense by stating that alcohol consumption is normal in Edirne, Çağlayan said, "Alcohol consumption is normal in Edirne. Many people consume alcohol and drive. I also get in a car after drinking; if they catch me, let them penalize me."

The presiding judge decided that, given the defendant driver B.K.'s 300 promille blood alcohol level at the time of the accident and his two prior license suspensions for drunk driving, the case file should be evaluated to determine whether it constitutes the crime of intentional killing, and subsequently transferred the case to the High Criminal Court.

The judge concluded the hearing by stating, "Having reached a legal and conscientious conviction that hearing this case is outside the jurisdiction of our court, it is understood that our court lacks jurisdiction over the case."

At the end of the hearing, Barçın Barı's wife, Aslı Barı, and their attorneys made a statement. Meanwhile, security camera footage of the accident has emerged. The terrifying moments were captured on camera second by second.