Court decision following former NBA prospect’s death sparks outcry in Türkiye

After the tragic death of former Turkish national basketball player Ilkan Karaman (34) following a car accident, a court decision to release the driver caused uproad in Turkish media.

Karaman, who played for several top-tier Turkish and European teams, including France’s Cholet, was struck by a vehicle while standing on a sidewalk on September 8, 2024.

Reports indicate the driver, allegedly intoxicated, lost control and hit Karaman, resulting in his death at the scene.

Karaman, a well-known figure in Türkiye‘s basketball scene, had an extensive career, playing for teams such as TOFAS, Pinar Karsiyaka, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas, among others. His most recent team was Cayirova Belediyespor.

Social media campaign launched over the death of former NBA prospect

Following the court decision last week to release the driver, who admitted being drunk while driving during the accident, the former player’s fans and friends launched a impactful social media campaign to reverse the decision.

Following the uproar on social media, Emre Ali Onder, who caused the death of national basketball player İlkan Karaman in a car accident in Mugla’s Datca district last year and was released under judicial control, has been re-arrested.

The Mugla Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office appealed the Datca Criminal Court of First Instance’s decision to release Onder on January 14 during the first hearing. Following the appeal, the Mugla 3rd High Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Onder.

Onder was apprehended in Istanbul and taken into custody. After processing, he was transferred to Mugla Prison.

What Happened?

On September 8, 2024, Emre Ali Önder lost control of his car on Kazim Yilmaz Street and struck Ilkan Karaman, who was walking along the road.

Despite medical intervention at Marmaris State Hospital, the basketball player succumbed to his injuries.

The driver was initially arrested, and an indictment was prepared, charging him with “causing death through conscious negligence,” carrying a potential prison sentence of two to nine years.

At the first hearing on January 10 at the Datca Criminal Court of First Instance, the court decided to release Onder under judicial control, imposing a travel ban. However, his re-arrest followed the appeal by the prosecution.