07.03.2025 17:10
The attacker who randomly stabbed 5 people while wearing a helmet, a ski mask, and protective transparent glasses in Eskişehir appeared before the judge. After the closed hearing, one of the victims, Metin Korkmaz, stated, "The kid says, 'I acted out of ignorance.' What else can he say? He said he regrets it. It came to his mind while playing. I suffered a lot from my throat. I spent 39 days in the hospital and 39 days at home. He still wants to be released by his lawyer."
The first hearing of the trial of the defendant, who injured 5 people in a tea garden in Eskişehir while broadcasting live on his mobile phone wearing a helmet, ski mask, and protective transparent glasses, was held.
108 YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT REQUESTED
The hearing at the Eskişehir 6th High Criminal Court was attended by the detained defendant Arda K, who is facing a prison sentence of up to 100 years for "attempted murder with premeditation" and up to 8 years for "threatening to create fear and panic among the public," dressed in a suit.
PUBLICATION BAN REQUESTED
The defendant's lawyer stated that there is a child involved in the case who was led to commit a crime at the age of 17 and that his client’s family has received numerous threats, requesting a closed hearing and a publication ban. The court panel decided to hold the hearings in closed session but rejected the request for a publication ban.
FIRST HEARING HELD
Lawyers and complainants Tevfik Arslan, Cumali Özemek, Naşit Özyürek, Metin Korkmaz, and Cemal Altıntaş were also present in the courtroom. The identities of 3 witnesses to the incident were established during the hearing. The defendant's lawyer's request for a closed hearing due to the testimony of a child under 18 who had corresponded with Arda K. via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS) was accepted by the court panel. After all participants other than the parties were removed from the courtroom, the trial began. During the hearing, Arda K. made his defense. The 5 complainants expressed that they were complaining about the defendant. After approximately 2.5 hours, the court panel decided to continue the detention of Arda K. The hearing was adjourned to May 23.
"HE SAID IT CAME TO HIS MIND WHILE PLAYING"
One of the complainants, Metin Korkmaz, stated in a press release that the defendant's lawyers suppressed them with their statements during the hearing. Korkmaz recounted that Arda K. said during the hearing, "I didn't do it to kill." He added, "It came to his mind while playing. I suffered a lot from my throat. I spent 39 days in the hospital and 39 days at home. He still wants to be released by his lawyer; I don't know what will happen. My complaint definitely continues." Korkmaz, when asked during the hearing, explained how the incident occurred, stating: "The child says, 'I acted out of ignorance.' What else would he say? He said, 'I'm sorry,' but he talks in great detail. I don't know how he talks. He said, 'I did it unintentionally. I don't know what I did. I did it in a moment.' You stabbed 5 people; is this just a moment? He was influenced by the game. You are stabbing 5 people."