11.03.2025 12:24
Sinan Özçelik, who severely injured his ex-wife by stabbing her seven times in Ankara, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for "attempted murder." The court reduced Özçelik's sentence to 8 years and 4 months, considering the woman's behavior towards her children and her insults towards the defendant as mitigating factors.
Sinem T. (33), who worked at a beauty center in Ankara, divorced Sinan Özçelik (41) due to severe incompatibility. Özçelik stabbed his ex-wife Sinem T. seven times after meeting her in a park to hand over their daughters, aged 11 and 13, on October 24, 2023. Sinem T., who was seriously injured, was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment, including 10 days in intensive care.
UNJUST PROVOCATION DISCOUNT APPLIED
A lawsuit was filed against the arrested Sinan Özçelik at the Ankara 23rd High Criminal Court for "Attempted murder," "Insult," and "Threat," with a request for life imprisonment and different prison terms. In the third hearing, the defendant Özçelik was released considering the 9 months he had been in custody. Following the prosecutor's appeal, Özçelik was re-arrested, and in the decision hearing held on January 9, he was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison for "Attempted murder." This sentence was later reduced to 8 years and 4 months due to unjust provocation and discretion discount.
MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS TO LIFE-THREATENING AREAS
The court announced its reasoned decision. The decision stated that Sinem T. and Sinan Özçelik got married in 2010 and divorced in 2023, that the custody of the children was granted to Sinem T., and that animosity arose between the parties during this process. It was expressed that the parties insulted and threatened each other due to this animosity, and as a result, they were punished by different courts. The decision noted that Sinem T. brought her boyfriend home, which negatively affected her daughter T.Ö. psychologically, and that the parties began to argue at the scene. It was emphasized that Sinem T. insulted Sinan Özçelik, and Özçelik retaliated. After the argument, Sinan Özçelik used a knife taken from his vehicle to injure Sinem T. in the face, head, and abdomen, and it was recorded that Sinem T. had cuts on her hands and arms due to her reflex to protect herself. According to the forensic report, it was stated that Sinem T. had permanent scars on her face, suffered a bone fracture, and that her injuries were of a nature that posed a life-threatening risk. It was noted that Sinan Özçelik used the knife in a manner suitable for killing, inflicted multiple stab wounds to areas that could cause Sinem T.'s death, and left the scene after the victim fell to the ground, indicating that the defendant acted with the intent to kill.
REASON FOR DISCOUNT: INSULT
However, the court considered Sinem T.'s attitudes towards her children and her insulting behavior towards the defendant as elements of unjust provocation. The court also applied a discretion discount, considering the effects of the sentence on the defendant's future. The 15-year prison sentence for "Attempted murder" was reduced to 8 years and 4 months due to unjust provocation and discretion discount.