Assaulted on the pitch: Halil Umut Meler trial adjourned

The trial regarding the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler during the Ankaragücü-Rizespor match has been adjourned until October 14 to allow defense attorneys time to prepare their responses to the forensic medical report.

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Assaulted on the pitch: Halil Umut Meler trial adjourned

The trial of 4 defendants, including former AKP deputy and then-Ankaragücü Club President Faruk Koca, regarding the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler during the Ankaragücü-Rizespor match, has been adjourned until October 14.

TRIAL ADJOURNED UNTIL OCTOBER 14

In the hearing held at the Ankara West 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance, the complainant Halil Umut Meler and the non-detained defendants Faruk Koca, Kenan Çelikkaya, Şahin Yunus Şahin, and Osman Erkam Can did not attend the session.

The court granted the defense attorneys time to prepare their arguments against the forensic medical report and adjourned the trial until October 14.

FORENSIC MEDICAL REPORT BROUGHT TO THE AGENDA

During the hearing, the report obtained from the Council of Forensic Medicine regarding Meler was submitted to the case file. Meler's lawyer stated that the defendants' statements in previous hearings were aimed at evading criminal liability and demanded that the maximum sentences be imposed.

The defense attorneys, claiming they had not been able to examine the report, requested additional time.

The court, having heard the opinion of the public prosecutor, granted the defense attorneys time to submit their statements regarding the forensic medical report and adjourned the trial until October 14.

WHAT IS IN THE INDICTMENT?

In the indictment, Halil Umut Meler is listed as the "complainant," while Faruk Koca, Kenan Çelikkaya, Osman Erkam Can, and Şahin Yunus Şahin are listed as "suspects."

For Faruk Koca, a prison sentence of 3 years and 4 months to 10 years, 1 month, and 15 days is requested for "intentional injury resulting in bone fracture in a sports area due to a public duty," 6 months to 2 years for "threat," and 3 months to 1 year of imprisonment or a judicial fine for "violation of the Law on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports."

According to the report from the Ankara Council of Forensic Medicine, it was determined that Meler had multiple wounds on the right side of his head due to the impact, bruising under his left eye socket, and tenderness in his cheekbones.

Furthermore, the report noted tenderness in the cervical spine, as well as abrasions and edema on the right knee, stating that Meler's injuries were too serious to be treated with simple medical intervention and that the bone fractures moderately affected his vital functions.

CHARGES AGAINST OTHER DEFENDANTS

Kenan Çelikkaya and Şahin Yunus Şahin are being tried for "intentional injury resulting in bone fracture in a sports area due to a public duty," facing 3 years and 4 months to 10 years, 1 month, and 15 days in prison.

Osman Erkam Can faces 6 months to 1 year and 6 months in prison for "attempted intentional injury resulting in bone fracture in a sports area due to a public duty."

A ban on attending sports events is also requested for the suspects in accordance with Article 18 of the Law on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports.

News Source: 12punto