Turkish woman acquitted after killing husband in self-defense

In Türkiye, the Supreme Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision to acquit Melek Ipek, a Turkish woman who killed her husband, Ramazan Ipek, in self-defense after being a victim of abuse.

The ruling ended a three-year legal battle and reignited discussions about domestic violence and self-defense laws in the country.

Years of domestic abuse culminate in deadly confrontation

For years, Melek endured severe physical and psychological abuse from her husband, Ramazan, a school bus driver in Antalya.

On Jan. 8, 2021, Ramazan subjected her to hours of torture, handcuffing her, beating her, and threatening to kill her and their two daughters. Early that morning, he left the house, warning that he would carry out his threats when he returned.

Fearing for their lives, Melek found a shotgun while still handcuffed. When Ramazan returned home, an altercation ensued. During the struggle, she fired a single shot, killing him.

The Turkish woman immediately called emergency services to report the incident. Police arrived to find her with severe bruises and swollen eyes from the earlier assault. She was arrested on the spot, and prosecutors charged her with premeditated murder.

Courts rule in favor of Turkish woman for self-defense due to immediate threat

The Antalya Third High Criminal Court reviewed the case in April 2021. It ruled that Melek acted in self-defense, stating, “The violation of self-defense limits caused by fear, panic, and distress excuses the defendant from punishment.” The court ordered the Turkish woman’s release after 108 days in custody.

The prosecution appealed, arguing that Melek should face charges of involuntary manslaughter, with a sentence of two to six years. They questioned whether Ramazan posed an immediate threat at the time of the shooting, citing his return with bread as a potential sign of reduced danger.

However, Melek’s defense argued that the years of abuse and Ramazan’s threats left her with no other choice. Melek testified during her trial, “If that gun hadn’t gone off, my children and I would have been killed.”

Turkish Supreme Court upholds acquittal despite appeals

The appeals process escalated to the Supreme Court of Appeals, where the prosecutor recommended overturning the acquittal. Despite these arguments, the court rejected the appeals and upheld the original ruling. In its decision, the court confirmed that the lower court’s judgment aligned with self-defense laws.

Melek’s lawyer, Ahmet Onaran, explained, “The Supreme Court of Appeals has declared that this decision cannot be appealed, and the ruling is now final.”

Turkish woman’s case sparks national debate

Melek Ipek’s case has drawn widespread attention to the challenges faced by domestic abuse survivors in Türkiye.

Women’s rights activists argue that her ordeal reflects systemic failures in protecting victims and ensuring their safety before tragedies occur. The case also underscores the limited legal avenues available to those trapped in abusive relationships.

Melek expressed remorse for the events but maintained that her actions were necessary to protect her family. “If my husband hadn’t died, we wouldn’t have survived,” she said during her defense.