30.04.2026 15:39
In Hakkari, former Mayor Mehmet Sıddık Akış, tried for 'leading an armed terrorist organization' and 'being a member,' along with 9 other defendants, received prison sentences in a retrial following the appeals court's reversal decision. The Hakkari 1st Heavy Penal Court reaffirmed Akış's previous sentence of 19 years and 6 months in prison, while the other defendants were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 9 years.
In the retrial of Mehmet Sıddık Akış, the former mayor of Hakkari who was suspended and replaced by a trustee, the court did not change the sentence despite the appellate court's decision to overturn. Facing charges of "leading an armed terrorist organization" and "being a member," Akış and nine other defendants were sentenced to prison terms totaling up to decades.
19.5 YEARS IN PRISON
In the case heard in Hakkari, a verdict was reached for retried former mayor Mehmet Sıddık Akış. Following the overturned previous ruling, the court sentenced Akış to 19 years and 6 months in prison once again.
RETRIAL AFTER OVERTURN DECISION
After the Van Regional Court of Justice's 2nd Criminal Chamber issued an overturn decision in 2024, the case against Akış and nine defendants was retried. At the verdict hearing held in Hakkari 1st Heavy Penal Court, some defendants participated via SEGBIS, while non-custodial defendants and lawyers were present in the courtroom.
DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS
In his defense at the hearing, Akış reiterated his previous statements and rejected the allegations. Stating that he has been involved in politics for many years, Akış argued that the accusations should be evaluated within the scope of political activity. Other defendants and their lawyers similarly requested acquittal.
COURT IMPOSED THE SAME SENTENCES
After the public prosecutor's opinion, the court panel announced its decision and ruled that the sentences given before the overturn be applied identically. Accordingly, Akış was sentenced to 19 years and 6 months in prison for the charge of "leading an armed terrorist organization."
OTHER DEFENDANTS ALSO RECEIVED PRISON SENTENCES
Some defendants in the same case were sentenced to 8 years and 9 months, while others received 6 years and 3 months in prison. With the court's decision, a new conviction was established for all defendants in the case.