Verdict reached in the case of Gabonese student Dina's death in Karabük! Defendant released

The final hearing was held regarding the case of Gabonese university student Jeannah Danys Dinabongho Ibouanga (17), whose body was found in the Filyos River in the Yeşilköy district on the Karabük-Yenice highway on March 26 of last year.

While police teams took extensive security measures in front of and inside the courthouse, the hearing was attended by her father Guy Serge Ibouanga, her mother Jessica Santda Makemba Panga, lawyers, and Gabonese students.

Upon the arrival of the court panel, footage contained on a flash drive submitted by the defense attorneys in the previous session was screened.

The prosecutor requested that the detention of Dursun Acar continue for the crimes of "probable intent" and "sexual assault" as stated in the opinion.

Testifying at the hearing, mother Jessica Santda Makemba Panga stated, "Dina was my only daughter. If I had known there was racism in Karabük, I would not have sent her. I regret it. When I spoke with my daughter, she explained her situation, saying, 'There is a lot of racism here. I want to move to Sakarya.'"

Father Guy Serge Ibouanga said, "We sent Dina to receive an education. Dina feared God. There is clear evidence to accuse the defendant Dursun Acar. Acar had no intention of helping Dina. I believe that the Turkish court will shed light on Dina's situation."

Presenting their defense against the prosecutor's final opinion, Dursun Acar's lawyers stated that they believed the opinion was prepared based on probabilities, argued that their client was innocent, and requested his acquittal.

Following the lawyers' statements, the defendant Acar, who attended the hearing via SEGBİS, was asked for his final words. Denying the allegations, the detained defendant Acar said, "I am 56 years old. I have done nothing to bring shame upon my family. I have a daughter too. I have a grandchild in primary school. I did not kill anyone. I take refuge in God."

VERDICT REACHED

Announcing its decision after the defense statements, the court panel concluded that the charges of "intentional homicide and sexual assault" were not proven and ordered Acar's release. Following the release decision, defendant Acar fainted.