Daesh terrorist behind Santa Maria church attack arrested in Istanbul

Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has apprehended Viskhan Soltamatiov, one of the planners behind the attack on Santa Maria Italian Church in Sariyer, Istanbul on January 28, 2024.

Soltamatiov, who provided the weapon used in the attack, was captured during operations in Istanbul.

The Jan. 28 assault was orchestrated by Daesh extremists and resulted in the death of Tuncer Cihan.

Authorities have completed their investigation into the attack, and a comprehensive indictment has been prepared by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office.

The indictment, involving 42 suspects, 31 of whom are in custody, seeks prison sentences ranging from seven years and six months to 349 years and six months.

Attackers face multiple life sentences

The suspects, including David Tanduev and Amirjon Kholiqov, were arrested in connection with the attack and face serious charges. They are accused of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order through force and violence.

Additional charges include membership in a terrorist organization, premeditated murder, and the attempted murder of 11 individuals, including Father Anton Bulai of Santa Maria Church.

The prosecution is seeking two aggravated life sentences for each suspect, along with additional prison terms.

The indictment also includes 20 other suspects facing similar charges, with potential sentences of up to two aggravated life terms and 345 years in prison.

Among these, Edelkhan Inazhaev faces additional charges of forgery in official documents, which carry a potential sentence of three to seven years.

Additionally, 18 suspects have been charged solely with membership in an armed terrorist organization, with prison terms ranging from seven to 15 years.

The case has been submitted to the Istanbul Heavy Penal Court for evaluation.

Background of church attack

Cihan lost his life in an armed attack at the Santa Maria Church on Jan. 28. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has included details about the attack in a referral letter sent to the Istanbul Criminal Judgeship of Peace regarding the suspects who were detained and are sought for arrest.

According to the referral letter, Edelkhan Inazhaev and his wife, Zharaidat Esmurzieva, who are linked to David Tanduev – one of the suspects involved in the attack – were apprehended at an address in Basaksehir Guvercintepe Neighborhood. During the search, a blank gun and an empty magazine were seized.

Suspect Inazhaev was also found to be connected to the airport attack.

Foreign license plated EL738FX vehicle used in attack

The article reveals that Inazhaev’s digital materials included images of the vehicle with the foreign license plate EL738FX used in the attack.

Inazhaev was captured and arrested during an operation on July 1, 2016, at an address in Basaksehir Kayabasi Neighborhood, where individuals suspected of links to the bombing and armed attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on June 28, 2016, were believed to reside.

Additionally, it was reported that Inazhaev, a member of the Daesh terrorist organization with the code name “Ilyas,” is of Chechen origin and was attempting to illegally cross into Syria.

There was also information about his wife, Zharaidat Esmurzieva, who had volunteered to join Daesh to carry out suicide bombings and was the former wife of Behruz Bobokalonov, also known as “Abu Kasas Al Tajiki.”