ALBAWABA - The trial for the Beyoğlu terror assault on November 13, 2022, has resulted in a verdict for 36 defendants, 15 of whom were in detention.
On İstiklal Avenue, PKK/YPG carried out an attack that killed 6 people and injured 99 others. One defendant, Ahlam Albashır, was sentenced to 7 aggravated life sentences and 1794 years in jail for planting the device.
In the Istanbul 13th Heavy Penal Court trial, Ahlam Albashır and four other detainees gave supplementary defence testimonies in front of both detainees and their legal representatives. Albashır's closing statements acknowledged responsibility for the explosion and fatalities, indicating no intention to defend herself. Despite defendants' claims of innocence, the court ruled.
Albashır was convicted of "undermining the unity of the state and the integrity of the country" and "intentional killing by bombing," among other accusations. She also received a lengthy sentence for attempted murder and drug possession. Armed organisation membership accusations were dropped by the court.
The trial revealed the complex planning and execution of the blast, including PKK/YPG operatives who received specialised training. Arrest warrants reflect continued efforts to find and detain other organisation members.
Indictments stated the defendants' serious crimes and demanded harsh sentences under Turkish law. It also highlighted the attack's fatalities and community repercussions.
The National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) executed a targeted operation in Kamışlı, northern Syria, to neutralise Halil Menci, a fugitive defendant involved in the assailants' escape.
