Berivan Freed After 22 Years in Prison
A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT LEAVES ONE PERSON DEAD AND A POLICE OFFICER INJURED IN ISTANBUL
An unfortunate incident occurred on February 1, 2023, in Istanbul, involving two traffic police officers who were investigating an accident on the TEM highway. The officers were struck by a car driven by Berivan Yıldırım, causing the death of police officer Ferdi Ağdaş and serious injury to Muhammet Bektaş. Following the accident, Berivan Yıldırım fled the scene, and her friend Zehra Polatdemir, who was with her, initially stated that they had been drinking alcohol before the incident.
Two days after the incident, Berivan Yıldırım was apprehended, and she is now facing legal consequences. A lawsuit has been filed against her, demanding a prison sentence of up to 22 years and 6 months for “causing death and injury by negligence.”
During the hearing at Bakırköy 18th High Criminal Court, the defendant, Berivan Yıldırım, claimed that the incident was purely accidental and pleaded for her acquittal and release. As per the report from the Traffic Specialization Department of the Forensic Medicine Institute, Berivan Yıldırım was found to be primarily at fault. While the defendant’s lawyer emphasized the lack of intent in the incident, they also argued that law enforcement did not take the necessary precautions at the scene, potentially sharing responsibility for the tragic outcome.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Berivan Yıldırım to 5 years in prison for “causing death and injury by negligence” and decided to release her. The court considered the circumstances and concluded that while Yıldırım was at fault, she would be allowed to walk free.
The indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office detailed the events leading up to the tragic accident, emphasizing the loss of life and injuries caused by Yıldırım’s actions. It noted that she fled the scene, and later surrendered, and highlighted her reckless behavior as a new driver. The indictment painted a thorough picture of the incident, including the expert report and the requested prison sentence for Berivan Yıldırım.
The unfolding legal process seeks to bring justice to the victims and hold those responsible accountable for the tragic consequences of their actions. Through the diligent work of law enforcement and legal authorities, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safe driving and the devastating impact of negligence on the road.
