18.12.2025 17:15
The motorcycle driver Berkay Orhan, who is alleged to have caused the death of Yeşilçam actor Engin Çağlar, was released under house arrest and a travel ban at the first hearing. The trial has been postponed to February 12, 2026, due to insufficient evidence.
The motorcycle driver Berkay Orhan, who is being tried for causing the death of famous Yeşilçam actor Engin Çağlar, was released on the first hearing after 47 days. The Istanbul 41st Criminal Court of First Instance issued a judicial control decision for the defendant Orhan, which includes house arrest and a travel ban.
Engin Çağlar (85), who starred in many Yeşilçam films such as 'Kadın Değil Baş belası', 'Kınalı Yapıncak', 'Feride', 'Makber', 'Bana Derler Fosforlu', 'Vatansızlar', and 'Rüyalar Gerçek Olsa', lost his life on the evening of November 1 when he was hit by a speeding motorcycle driver while trying to cross the street in Şişli. Following the incident, motorcycle driver Berkay Orhan was arrested by the Magistrate's Court. An indictment was prepared against Orhan on the charge of "causing death by negligence," and a lawsuit was subsequently filed.
In the traffic expert report in the case, Engin Çağlar was found to be 75% at fault, while the defendant Berkay Orhan was found to be 25% at fault.
The first hearing of the case at the Istanbul 41st Criminal Court of First Instance was held today. Engin Çağlar's wife and two sons attended the hearing. The hearing began with identity verification at 14:30, two hours late. The defendant Berkay Orhan, who was connected to the courtroom via SEGBİS from the Marmara Closed Penal Institution where he was detained, stated the following in his defense:
"I WOULD SIGN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK"
"On the day of the incident, I stopped when the red light was on while I was in motion, and I started moving again when the green light came on. When a pedestrian came out from in front of a vehicle on my left, I applied the brakes as soon as I noticed. I maneuvered to the right, putting myself at risk. The pedestrian also quickened his steps, and the accident occurred. There is a traffic light 10 meters behind the location of the incident, and there is a pedestrian crossing 50 meters ahead. However, when the accident occurred, I got up and asked those around to call the police and ambulance. I have no suspicion of fleeing. I have a fixed residence and a stable workplace. I request my release. If you have a different opinion, house arrest would be acceptable, and if necessary, I would sign seven days a week."
"MY MOTORCYCLE HAD NO ISSUES"
The prosecutor directed three questions to the defendant Orhan. The prosecutor asked Orhan about his speed on the date of the incident, whether he was fatigued or under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, and the condition of his motorcycle's lighting system.
Orhan responded, "My speed was within the city speed limit. I had just started moving from the traffic lights. My motorcycle was not a fast vehicle. The engine displacement was 250 cc. I have never used drugs. There was no issue with my motorcycle; everything was in good condition."
Then, the defendant's lawyers made their defense. Later, Çağlar's wife, Filiz Övet, stated, "The only thing I know is that my husband was a very healthy and rational person for his age. We experienced this tragic event while waiting for him at our dinner table. I am a complainant." His son Eser Övet said, "My father may be 88 years old, but he was very healthy. We learned about the incident from a phone call. I am extremely saddened; I am a complainant," he said. The other son of the defendant also expressed his complaint.
The prosecution stated that due to the need for an on-site investigation and the fact that evidence had not yet been collected, they recommended that the defendant's detention status continue.
Subsequently, the statements of the parties' lawyers against the prosecution's opinion were taken. The defendant Orhan requested his release again.
THE TRIAL WAS POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 12
The presiding judge decided to address the missing issues in the case file and to release the defendant under judicial control measures of house arrest and a travel ban. The next hearing will be held on February 12, 2026.