27.05.2025 14:35
A verdict has been reached in the case regarding the destruction of the grave of Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, who lost his life in a knife attack at a flea market in Kadıköy. The detained defendant, Duran Aydın, stated, "I had no intention against the child. I got angry because they burned my place. I did it to teach them a lesson." The court sentenced Aydın to 2 years and 6 months in prison.
Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, who lost his life in a knife attack while visiting a flea market in Kadıköy, Istanbul, to buy skateboarding equipment, appeared before the judge on April 10 after the defendant Duran Aydın damaged his grave located in Bahçelievler. The hearing was held at the Bakırköy 36th Criminal Court of First Instance, where the detained defendant Duran Aydın and the complainant's lawyer were present.
"I GOT ANGRY AT MINGUZZI'S GRANDMOTHER"
In his defense during the hearing, defendant Duran Aydın stated, "I have been lying down for a long time because I have no situation on the outer edge of the cemetery. One day, I was lying down, and I heard a sound from there at noon. I lifted my head and saw two women. One of them had broken the pine tree there. I got angry that day. Ten days before the incident, there were pine trees, and that place had burned. It was said that the late child's grandmother started the fire. That day, when I saw a woman breaking the pine tree, I got angry about it," he said.
"I DID IT TO TEACH THEM A LESSON"
Defendant Aydın continued his defense by saying, "I had no intention against the child. I got angry because they burned my place. I did it to teach them a lesson. I don't know what to say right now; I regret it. I want my acquittal and release. I did not receive instructions from anyone. I do not know the people related to the incident. I do not know those who killed the child. I knew there was a case about the child because I constantly read the newspaper. I did it in a moment of anger. I knew the grave was there. I did not mention it to the police because I do not know these things. While I do not harm anyone, it is that child's grandmother who came and messed it up. That is why I messed it up," he stated.
2 YEARS 6 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE
The complainant's lawyer, who made a statement during the hearing, requested that the defendant be punished without any reduction, in a manner that would set a precedent. The public prosecutor, who presented his opinion during the hearing, requested that the defendant be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 1 to 4 years for the crime of "damaging places of worship and cemeteries."
In his decision, the judge sentenced Duran Aydın to 3 years in prison for the crime of "damaging places of worship and cemeteries." Considering that the defendant had no prior criminal record, the court applied a reduction, sentencing him to 2 years and 6 months in prison, and ruled that Aydın's detention would continue.
FROM THE INDICTMENT
The indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office described the incident that occurred on April 10 in Bahçelievler. It was stated in the indictment that an investigation was initiated due to the destruction of the grave on the day the case regarding the murder of Matteo Ahmet Minguzzi by two people on January 24, 2025, would be heard. It was determined that the person who damaged the cemetery was Duran Aydın when the camera footage was examined. The indictment noted that Aydın accepted the charges in his statements and indicated that he committed the alleged crime. A prison sentence of 1 to 4 years was requested for Duran Aydın for the crime of "damaging places of worship and cemeteries."