Defendant convicted of aggravated sexual assault released while case is under Supreme Court review

Sinem Nazlı Demir - 12punto.com.tr

CONVICTION UPHELD ON APPEAL

Bakırköy 18th High Criminal Court sentenced Y.Ş. to 12 years in prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a young woman in Esenyurt, Istanbul. The court did not apply any discretionary sentence reduction and ordered the continuation of the defendant's detention. The defendant's appeal was rejected, and the Regional Court of Justice upheld the conviction handed down by the local court.

REASONING FOR RELEASE DECISION NOT YET IN THE FILE

Following the conviction, the case was moved to the Supreme Court for review, and a decision was made to release the defendant. It was stated that the release decision was made while the case was still under review at the Supreme Court. However, it was reported that the reasoning for the decision has not been processed into the file despite approximately three weeks having passed, and that the file number required for drafting the reasoned decision has not yet been created.

Attorneys for the victim contacted the 9th Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, where the file is located, to request information regarding the process. It was stated that the chamber officials indicated that files are reviewed in accordance with system procedures, but they did not share detailed information regarding the specific case.

“I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE RELEASE”

Making a statement following the release decision, the victim, E.Ö., stated that she would continue her fight for justice and called for public support. E.Ö. said, “They are trying to suppress me, but I will not be silent. While he walks free, my search for justice continues not only for myself but for other women as well. Someone convicted of aggravated sexual assault is walking among us freely. Hear my voice. Stand with me in my search for justice.”

E.Ö. also stated that she was not provided with any notification regarding the release decision, noting that this situation poses a risk to her safety and constitutes a violation of her right to information. The victim requested that the allegations of irregularities in the release process and the rights violations she experienced be made visible to the public.

News Source: Sinem Nazlı Demir