Court sentences 5 to life imprisonment for murder of Turkish nationalist Sinan Ates

The verdict has been announced in the high-profile trial concerning the murder of former Ulku Ocaklari Education and Culture Foundation President and Hacettepe University associate professor Sinan Ates. Five defendants, including the gunman and accomplices, were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment.

The trial took place at the Ankara 32nd High Criminal Court within the Sincan Penal Institution Campus.

Attendees included the defendants, their lawyers, Ates’ wife Ayse Ates, his mother Saniye Ates and other family members.

5 defendants receive life sentences

After hearing the final defense statements from the defendants and their lawyers, the court delivered its verdict. The gunman, Eray Ozyagci, along with motorcycle driver Vedat Balkaya and scout Suat Kurt, were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “premeditated murder.”

They also received 13-year sentences for the attempted murder of complainant Selman Bozkurt.

Additionally, Dogukan Cep and Tolgahan Demirbas were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “incitement to premeditated murder.”

Main opposition CHP’s leader condemns attack on Sinan Ates’ sister

In a related development, CHP leader Ozgur Ozel condemned the assault on Ates’ sister, Selma Ates, which took place outside the courthouse in Sincan.

Ozel released a statement on social media, linking the attack to a recent speech by a political party leader.

“I condemn the assault on Selma Ates today in Sincan. This attack is undoubtedly connected to a speech given by a political party leader (yesterday), in which Selma Ates was openly targeted,” Ozel stated.

He further criticized the political climate, accusing certain parties of resorting to threats and physical violence.

“Despite the hostile environment created, the truth will eventually emerge, and those responsible for the assassination will face justice,” Ozel added.