Supreme Court Orders Release of 31 Privates: July 15 Decision – Last Minute News from Turkey
Supreme Court of Appeals overturns life imprisonment sentences in July 15 coup attempt case
The General Criminal Assembly of the Supreme Court of Appeals has made a new decision in the case related to the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey.
In the case involving 40 defendants, including 7 high-ranking individuals, who were accused of participating in the occupation of the Türk Telekom building in Acıbadem, Istanbul, the Istanbul 27th High Criminal Court had previously handed down life imprisonment sentences for charges of violating the constitution, intentional murder, and deprivation of liberty.
However, the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals has approved the charge of violating the constitution against 33 privates, but decided to overturn the charges of intentional murder. This decision was met with an objection from the Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Prosecutor’s Office argued that there was insufficient evidence to support the charge of intentional murder against the privates, and that there were errors made in terms of the charge of violating the constitution.
As a result, the General Criminal Assembly of the Supreme Court of Appeals has overturned the life imprisonment sentences imposed on 31 of the 33 privates and has ordered their release. The fate of the remaining two defendants will be decided at a later date.
This new development in the case marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings surrounding the July 15 coup attempt, and highlights the complexities involved in trying those accused of participating in such events.
