Arrest of 2 Defendants to Continue

"Not male justice, but real justice - Ankara Women's Platform"

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Şule Çet, a student of Gazi University, lost her life on May 29, 2018 by suspiciously falling off the 20th floor of a high-rise building in Ankara.

As part of the investigation launched into her murder, suspects Çağatay Aksu and Berk Akand were arrested. The Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Aksu and Akand, demanding that the arrested suspects be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment and up to 39 years in prison on charges of "murder", "sexual assault" and "false imprisonment".

Defendants Çağatay Aksu and Berk Akand had their first hearing at the Ankara 31st Heavy Penal Court yesterday (February 6).

The hearing was attended by the arrested defendants, Şule Çet's father İsmail Çet and their attorneys. The attorney of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services was also present in the courtroom as a complainant. The request of the ministry for intervening in the case has been granted. It was also seen that both defendants attended the hearing in a suit.

Defendants rejected the charges

In his statement of defense, Çağatay Aksu said,

"I am sorry that I am standing before you, being charged with such an offense. I don't accept any of the charges brought against me. Neither sexual assault, nor murder is the case here. We didn't even touch her. I don't know why so many people are still pestering me about it. They are either trying to show off or don't have any idea what they are doing."

Regarding the report of Forensic Medicine Institute, which documented that Çet was forced to anal sex before her death, Aksu said, "By no means did we touch her. I also demanded a forensic report, but couldn't see it."

Speaking after Aksu, Berk Akand, the other arrested defendant, made his defense and stated that he did not see the moment when Çet fall off the window. Akand did not accept the charged offense, either.

The father of Şule Çet, İsmail Çet filed a complaint against the defendants.

The court ruled for continuation of arrest

The security officers who were on duty in the high-rise building at the night when Çet lost her life also testified in court. Both officers stated that while Akand was very anxious at the night of incident, Aksu was very calm.

Being asked about their last words, the attorneys of both defendants requested the release of their clients.

Announcing its ruling after the break, the court board ruled that the arrest of defendants Çağatay Aksu and Berk Akand shall continue. The next hearing of the case will be held on May 15, 2019. (EMK/SD)

* News source: twitter.com/suleicinadalet - Photo: Sendika.org