Türkiye demands justice after lenient sentence for 8-year-old Narin Guran’s murder
Public outrage grows over Nevzat Bahtiyar's verdict in the Narin Guran case, Diyarbakir, Türkiye. (Photo via Türkiye Daily)
The murder case of 8-year-old Narin Guran, which deeply affected Türkiye, reached a controversial conclusion this week at the Diyarbakir 8th High Criminal Court. On Aug. 21, 2024, Narin disappeared in Diyarbakir’s Baglar district.
After an intense search, her body was discovered 19 days later in Egertutmaz Creek, wrapped in a sack. This discovery triggered a high-profile investigation and trial.
Three members of Narin Guran’s family—her mother, Yuksel Guran, her older brother, Enes Guran, and her uncle, Salim Guran—received aggravated life sentences for their roles in her murder.
However, the court’s decision to sentence neighbor Nevzat Bahtiyar to four years and six months in prison for concealing evidence has provoked widespread anger among the public and legal professionals alike.
What happened: From Narin Guran’s disappearance to trial
Guran’s father, Arif, reported her missing on Aug. 21. Initially, her family claimed ignorance about her whereabouts, but inconsistencies in their statements raised suspicions.
Narin Guran’s father, Arif, reported her missing on Aug. 21. Initially, her family claimed ignorance about her whereabouts, but inconsistencies in their statements raised suspicions.
- Investigators later alleged that Narin’s murder was motivated by her witnessing an illicit affair involving her mother, Uncle Salim, and another relative. According to these claims, the family conspired to kill her and silence her.
On Aug. 20, the day before her disappearance, Narin Guran had reportedly witnessed the affair. The following day, after she returned from a Quran lesson, she was lured into a barn where she was murdered.
The tragic search ended on Sept. 8, when her body was found in a nearby creek
- Law enforcement arrested 12 suspects, including Yuksel, Enes, Salim, and their neighbor Nevzat Bahtiyar
During the investigation, Salim’s associate, Nevzat Bahtiyar, testified that Salim threatened him to dispose of Narin Guran’s body, saying: “You will get rid of this, or I’ll come for you and your family.”
The trial began on Nov. 7, with prosecutors accusing the Guran family of premeditated murder. Evidence presented in court included testimonies and forensic findings, which prosecutors argued demonstrated a coordinated effort to kill and conceal Narin.
Bahtiyar admitted to moving Narin Guran’s body but denied involvement in the murder. He stated in court, “I carried the body, but I did not kill her.”
Widespread criticism of Nevzat Bahtiyar’s sentence
The verdict for Nevzat Bahtiyar has become the center of controversy. Bahtiyar’s actions during and after the crime have led many to believe he was more involved than the court concluded.
Lawyer Nahit Eren questioned whether Narin Guran was already deceased when Bahtiyar transported her, saying, “There is reasonable doubt that she may have been alive, which would make him complicit in her death.”
The Diyarbakir Bar Association announced plans to appeal Bahtiyar’s sentence, calling it insufficient. Bar President Abdulkadir Gulec expressed his disappointment, saying, “The sentence does not fully address Bahtiyar’s involvement, and a more thorough investigation is necessary.”
Turkish court’s reasoning regarding Bahtiyar’s role, subsequent backlash
While the court sentenced Yuksel, Enes, and Salim Guran to aggravated life imprisonment for premeditated murder, it ruled that Bahtiyar’s role was limited to evidence tampering.
He was convicted under Article 281 of the Turkish Penal Code, which addresses the concealment or destruction of evidence. The court cited insufficient evidence to prove Bahtiyar’s direct involvement in the killing.
Avukat Asya Cemre Isik from the Diyarbakir Bar Association criticized the court’s decision, stating, “The evidence strongly indicates that Bahtiyar’s role was more significant than the court acknowledged. The sentence does not reflect the seriousness of his actions.” She confirmed that the association will challenge the verdict through an appellate review.
Public frustration, calls for justice in Narin Guran’s murder
The verdict has sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding harsher penalties for Bahtiyar. Critics argue that the lenient sentence undermines trust in the justice system and fails to hold him fully accountable.
The Diyarbakir Bar Association has already announced plans to appeal the decision, with legal experts suggesting that the sentence may be overturned or increased upon review. Lawyer Nahit Eren stated, “The evidence and circumstances warrant a harsher penalty, and we are confident that an appellate court will see the gaps in this verdict.”
Community members argue that the judicial process failed to deliver full justice for Narin. Residents of Tavsantepe, the Guran family’s village, described a tense atmosphere as the case continues to weigh heavily on the community. Bahtiyar’s family has reportedly left their home because of safety concerns.
Demand for systemic reforms in child protection and justice
The case has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Türkiye’s judicial system and the need for stronger child protection measures. Advocates emphasize the importance of addressing legal gaps to prevent similar tragedies.
“This case exposes serious shortcomings in protecting children and ensuring accountability,” said Abdulkadir Gulec. “We must strengthen our investigative processes and sentencing standards.”
Although the convictions of Yuksel, Enes, and Salim Guran provided some justice, the sentence for Nevzat Bahtiyar remains a divisive issue. As the public waits for the court’s detailed explanation in its written judgment, calls for a fairer resolution continue to grow among legal professionals and child advocates.
