Istanbul 2022 terror attack perpetrator sentenced to life in prison

After a thorough legal process involving 36 defendants, including 10 held in custody, the trial regarding the tragic terrorist attack on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu on Nov. 13, 2022, orchestrated by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, reached a conclusion on Friday.

The attack had resulted in the loss of 6 lives and left 99 individuals wounded.

In a courtroom session held at the 13th Heavy Penal Court in Istanbul, attended by five detained defendants, including Ahlam Albashır, responsible for planting the explosive device, along with their legal representatives, significant developments unfolded. Some defendants participated remotely via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS).

During the proceedings, detained defendants Fatma Berkel, Ferhat Habes, Ahmed Carkes, and Ammar Jarkas were granted additional opportunities to present their defense.

Berkel, in her testimony, cited her pregnancy at the time of the incident and claimed psychological distress, questioning the motives behind her involvement.

She fervently pleaded for exoneration, expressing no recognition of the co-defendants and their alleged intentions. Defense attorneys echoed calls for release and acquittal.

Presiding over the court, the judge signaled the imminent announcement of the verdict, inviting the defendants to offer their final remarks.

In a notable declaration, Ahlam Albashır, while abstaining from self-defense, accepted accountability for the explosion and resultant fatalities.

Albashır’s statement shed light on the alleged innocence of fellow defendants, calling attention to their purported lack of involvement. Emotional appeals for leniency and exoneration were reiterated by other defendants.

The court panel, upon conclusion of proceedings, handed Ahlam Albashır seven aggravated life sentences for charges including "undermining the unity of the state and the country," and "premeditated murder by detonation," among others. Additionally, Albashır received a cumulative sentence of 1794 years in prison, accompanied by a monetary fine.

Notably, the court ruled that the charge of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" against Albashır was subsumed within the broader charge of "undermining the unity of the state and the country," thereby negating the need for a separate judgment.

The court panel imposed sentences on Fatma Berkel and Ferhat Habes, among others, totaling 1035 years in prison for charges related to "aiding in the undermining of state unity and integrity" and facilitating the attack.

Meanwhile, defendants Ammar Jarkas and Ahmed Carkes were sentenced to 17 years in prison each, alongside a monetary fine, for charges including "human trafficking" and "evidence tampering."

Further deliberations led to the release of four detained defendants, while the cases of several fugitive defendants were separated for independent adjudication.

The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, outlined the events of the heinous attack, attributing it to the PKK/YPG terrorist organization.

It detailed the involvement of Ahlam Albashır and Bilal el-Hacmaus, identified as operatives of the YPG/PYD, who were trained and dispatched with explosive materials for the attack.

The indictment called for punitive measures against all 36 defendants, encompassing charges such as "undermining the unity and integrity of the state," "establishing or managing an armed terrorist organization," and "human trafficking."

With the verdict rendered and the legal process underway, the repercussions of the Beyoğlu terror attack continue to reverberate.

Source: AA