Paternal uncle given aggravated life sentence over killing of 4-year-old Leyla

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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The final hearing of the lawsuit filed into the death of Leyla Aydemir (4) in Ağrı was held at the Ağrı 1st Heavy Penal Court today (October 2).

Gone missing in the village of Bezirhane (Bezirgane) on June 15, 2018, Leyla Aydemir's deceased body was found 18 days later. Yusuf Aydemir, the paternal uncle of the girl, was arrested pending trial.

The arrested defendant attended today's hearing from prison via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS). The attorneys of the two parties were present in the courtroom.

Defendant did not accept the accusations

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) and Mezopotamya Agency (MA), the defendant did not accept the charges brought against him in the prosecutor's opinion as to the accusations.

"I swear before the court that we did not commit any crime or scene. My whole family has been infected with corona. We are devastated here. I request my release," he reportedly said in his last statement.

Following the statements of defense of Yusuf Aydemir, the attorneys and other defendants, the prosecutor reiterated his opinion as to the accusations that he presented in the previous hearing.

Handing down its judgement, the court board has ruled that Yusuf Aydemir shall be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment on charge of "wilful murder" without any sentence reductions or good conduct time.

The board has also ruled that all other defendants who were not arrested shall be acquitted of the offense charged. (EMK/SD)