Two defendants sentenced to prison for fraud in Kocaeli by claiming 'the jinn want blood'

A verdict has been reached regarding two defendants tried on charges of defrauding 63-year-old H.D., who was seeking help for his wife's psychological condition in Kocaeli, by exploiting his religious beliefs and feelings. The Kocaeli 4th High Criminal Court sentenced the defendants, Y.C. and H.Ş., to a total of 9 years and 10 months in prison.

According to the allegations, the incident took place in İzmit between 2023 and 2024. H.D. met 45-year-old Y.C. through a friend. It was claimed that Y.C. told H.D. that there was a "heavy curse" on his wife and that his children were also affected by it.

According to information reflected in the case file, the defendants claimed that many animal sacrifices needed to be made to resolve this situation, that "the jinn wanted blood," and that the saffron to be used in writing amulets would be brought from abroad. It was stated that a total of 130 thousand liras was taken from H.D. under the pretext that the saffron in Turkey was "alcoholic."

Following a complaint, an investigation was launched into Y.C. and 75-year-old H.Ş. In his statement, Y.C. denied the accusations, stating that H.D. had come to his workplace and that when he asked about the amulet around his neck, he gave him H.Ş.'s number. H.Ş., on the other hand, argued that he had previously worked as a medium but had quit, that he had written amulets for some people, and that he had not received as much money from H.D. as alleged.

A lawsuit was filed against the defendants for "fraud by exploiting religious beliefs and feelings" and "violating Law No. 677 on the Prohibition and Abolition of Dervish Lodges, Zawiyas, and Tombs, and the Abolition of Certain Titles."

While the non-detained defendants Y.C. and H.Ş., as well as the victim H.D., did not attend the final hearing, the lawyers for the parties were present in the courtroom. The court panel stated that the evidence in the file had been collected and announced its verdict.

The panel sentenced H.Ş. to a total of 5 years and 4 months in prison, consisting of 5 years for "fraud by exploiting religious beliefs and feelings" and 4 months for violating Law No. 677. Y.C. was sentenced to a total of 4 years and 6 months in prison for the same crimes.

News Source: 12punto