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The first hearing of nine defendants, whose case files were previously separated to prevent a possible violation of statute of limitations in Hrant Dink murder case, had their first hearing today (June 28).
Announcing its opinion as to the accusations, Prosecutor Mehmet Yeşilkaya demanded that seven of these defendants including Erhan Tuncel and Yasin Hayal be penalized on charges of "establishing and leading an organization" and "membership of an organization."
Their files were separated in the previous hearing
In the 93rd hearing of the case held on June 13, the İstanbul 14th Heavy Penal Court ruled that the case files of Erhan Tuncel, Yasin Hayal, Ogün Samast, Zeynel Abidin Yavuz, Ersin Yolcu, Ahmet İskender, Tuncay Uzundal, Salih Hacısalihoğlu and Osman Hayal be separated from others to prevent a possible violation of statute of limitations.
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The defendants whose files were separated and their charges: Erhan Tuncel: Leading an armed terrorist organization, throwing an explosive, damage to property and instigating deliberate of murder Hrant Dink Yasin Hayal: Leading an armed terrorist organization Ogün Samast: Membership of an armed terrorist organization Zeynel Abidin Yavuz: Membership of a terrorist organization and aiding the deliberate murder of Hrant Dink Ersin Yolcu: Membership of a terrorist organization Ahmet İskender: Membership of a terrorist organization Tuncay Uzundal: Membership of a terrorist organization and aiding the deliberate murder of Hrant Dink Salih Hacısalihoğlu: Keeping unregistered bullets Osman Hayal: Membership of a terrorist organization and aiding the deliberate murder of Hrant Dink |
The first hearing of the separated file was held at the İstanbul 14th Heavy Penal Court today. Arrested defendants Ogün Samast, Yasin Hayal and Zeynel Abidin Yavuz as well as Erhan Tuncel, Osman Hayal and Ersin Yolcu, who are under arrest, attended the first hearing via Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS).
While the warrant against Ahmet İskender is still in effect, Salih Hacısalihoğlu and Tuncay Uzundal did not appear before the judge. Bahri Belen and Sebu Aslangil, the attorney of Dink family, were present in court.
Prosecutor: Organization was formed by Yasin Hayal
Announcing his opinion, the prosecutor stated that the organization in question was formed by Yasin Hayal to act in accordance with his political views or to commit crimes against the ones who act against these views.
The prosecutor pressed the following charges in the hearing today: Erhan Tuncel: Attempted deliberate murder for 6 times and damage to property, aiding the deliberate murder of Hrant Dink, membership of an armed criminal organization Yasin Hayal: Establishing and leading an armed criminal organization Ogün Samast: Membership of an armed criminal organization Zeynel Abidin Yavuz, Ersin Yolcu and Tuncay Uzundal: Aiding the deliberate murder, membership of an armed criminal organization Ahmet İskender: Membership of an armed criminal organization |
In his opinion as to the accusations, the prosecutor demanded the acquittal of Osman Hayal and Salih Hacısalihoğlu.
The court board has adjourned the hearing to July 17, 2019 so that the defendants could prepare their statements of defense.
Court said 'no organization' in first trial
In the first case filed in relation with the murder of Hrant Dink, the İstanbul 14th Heavy Penal Court announced its ruling on January 17, 2012. After 25 hearings of the 18-defendant case, Presiding Judge Rüstem Eryılmaz concluded that there was no "organization."
After the verdict was taken to the Supreme Court of Appeals, the 9th Penal Chamber of the Supreme Court reversed the verdict of the 14th Heavy Penal Court. Indicating that there was an "organization" involved in the murder, the Chamber sent the case file back to the local court for a re-trial. (HA/SD)
