Defendant in School Service Death Case Faces Judge Again
The trial for the tragic death of Alperen Sakin, a 3-year-old boy who was forgotten in a school service minibus and lost his life, continues at the 14th Criminal Chamber of the Izmir Regional Court of Justice. In the latest hearing, Alperen’s parents, Buket and Serkan Sakin, along with their lawyers attended the session. However, the defendant Bekir Gül, the school principal who is on trial pending arrest, did not appear in court.
The family’s lawyer, Senol Diş, argued that the defendant Gül failed to fulfill the necessary audits and acted against regulations. The court chairman decided that the defendant must attend the next hearing, and thus, the current session was adjourned.
The incident, which occurred on August 15, 2017, resulted in the tragic loss of Alperen’s life. Following a legal process, the service driver, kindergarten owner, service hostess, teachers, and school principal were all sentenced to imprisonment for various periods. In addition, the District National Education Director and 2 branch directors were also found guilty in connection with the incident.
The Izmir 5th Administrative Court ordered the defendants to pay the family a total of 662,491 pounds for material and non-pecuniary damages. The court also ruled that the family was 50 percent at fault for the incident and sentenced them to pay the amount as well.
Furthermore, the decision of the 12th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation upheld the imprisonment sentences ranging from 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 6 months for the four defendants involved in the case. The legal battle continues as the family seeks justice for the loss of their beloved child.
