Motorcycle courier Göçer's lawyer Iyaz Çimen speaks to 12punto: 'We have no doubt that the Somali President's son will be arrested'

Kübra KARASU- 12punto.com.tr

On November 30 in Fatih, Istanbul, Mohammed Hassan Shekh Mohamud, the son of the Somali President, struck the motorcycle driven by Yunus Emre Göçer from behind with his vehicle.

Göçer, who was critically injured, passed away six days later at the hospital where he was being treated. Mohamud, who was released after the accident, was issued a travel ban seven days later. Yunus Emre Göçer’s lawyer, Iyaz Çimen, spoke to 12punto.com.tr regarding the matter.

“WE EXPECT AN ARREST TO FOLLOW”

Stating that the course of the investigation is currently proceeding in their favor, lawyer Iyaz Çimen said, “Of course, we have obtained a travel ban. We expect an arrest to follow this. Actually, this arrest should have happened in the first place. Because a situation arises where the nature of the crime could change, as it carried a life-threatening risk and ultimately turned from injury into death. However, we clearly expect a conviction at the end of the process. We have no doubt about that.”

“TURKISH COURTS WILL TRY HIM”

Çimen stated that the suspect will be tried in Turkish courts because the incident took place in Turkey, adding, “In our research regarding extradition following the trial, we found a Supreme Court decision suggesting that the suspect cannot be punished in Turkey. However, this is a very old decision. Frankly, we are not sure about this. He will not remain free, but ultimately, there is a high probability that this will be a diplomatic process.”

“MOTORCYCLE COURIERS MUST BE CLASSIFIED AS A DANGEROUS PROFESSION”

Evaluating the issue of motorcycle courier accidents that came to the agenda after the incident, Iyaz Çimen stated that the most fundamental legal regulation that should be introduced for motorcycle couriers is to have them classified under the 'dangerous profession' category.

Çimen also said the following:

"Currently, there is no legal regulation for the work they do. It is not subject to any law. It doesn't even have a counterpart in our own legislation. Because of this, motorcycle couriers have unlimited freedom to work. However, as you know, traffic is an area that requires high attention. After working 14-15 hours a day, one cannot expect a human body to be attentive.

I can say that most of the accidents are caused by this. The cause of the accidents is specifically the lack of regulation and the fact that necessary inspections are not being carried out.”

SUPPORT FROM CHP'S TÜZÜN AND GÜNAYDIN

When asked whether support was provided for the case, Çimen replied, “No official has contacted us. There were contacts from CHP deputies such as Yaşar Tüzün and Gökhan Günaydın and some journalists, but no support came from AKP or MHP deputies.”

“IT HURTS THE GRIEVING FAMILY EVEN MORE”

Çimen finally evaluated the incident as follows:

“Ultimately, we have a citizen who lost his life here. It doesn't really matter what he was; he could have been a motorcyclist, or he might not have been. The important thing is this; in a scenario where one side is experiencing such great pain, the fact that the other side has not been sanctioned in any way. At this stage, unfortunately, while there is an injustice, the fact that the suspect is not under arrest hurts the already grieving family even more, I can say.”

“HE WAS DETERMINED TO BE PRIMARILY AT FAULT”

In the Expert Report of the Republic of Turkey Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the accident, it was assessed that motorcycle courier Yunus Emre Göçer did not violate any article specified in the Highway Traffic Law and was not at fault. It was concluded that Mohammed Hassan Shekh Mohamud was primarily at fault according to the Highway Traffic Law and the Highway Traffic Regulation.

MOHAMUD'S STATEMENT ALSO REVEALED

The Expert Report included the suspect Mohamud's statement, which read: “… the motorcycle suddenly braked without signaling and turned right, that he was not wearing a helmet at the time, that he pressed the brakes of his vehicle while the motorcycle driver was stopping and turning towards the sidewalk on the side of the road, but he could not stop and had to hit the motorcycle unintentionally, that the motorcycle driver was then thrown and fell, that his vehicle's speed was around 50-55 km/h at that moment, and that he stopped on the side of the road and went to the person.”

“I WILL FOLLOW THE LEGAL PROCESS TO THE END”

A statement of support regarding the matter also came from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

İmamoğlu stated on his X account, "The Somali President's son hits motorcycle courier Yunus Emre Göçer, causing his death, and is released. I wish God's mercy upon Göçer and offer my condolences to his family. We will not let this go. I will follow the legal process to the end on behalf of tens of thousands of motorcycle courier workers!"

“REGARDLESS OF STATUS, EVERYONE IS EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW”

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, in his evaluation of the process, noted the following:

“Since our citizen has passed away, there is a change in the nature of the crime. In this sense, our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office will definitely evaluate this. Because there is a death, and when we look at the footage of the traffic accident, of course, it is the Public Prosecutor's Office that will evaluate this. Necessary judicial procedures will be carried out at this point. Let no one have any doubts. I wish God's mercy upon our citizen and offer my condolences to his relatives. If there is a fault, a crime, it will definitely be followed up. It doesn't matter what his status is. He could be the son of the Somali President, or he could be an ordinary citizen. Whoever commits a crime is equal before the law.”

News Source: Kübra Karasu