13.03.2025 16:20
Regarding the case of Sema Esen, known as 'Aleyna Çakır' in Ankara, who was found dead in her home, her boyfriend Ümitcan Uygun, who is being tried for the crimes of 'encouraging suicide and reinforcing the decision to commit suicide' and 'torture,' appeared before the judge after 5 years. In his defense, Uygun stated, "There have been arguments between us, but there was no physical assault." Neighbors, on the other hand, reported that they constantly heard sounds of violence coming from the house.
'Aleyna Çakır', known as Sema Esen, was found dead on June 3, 2020, in her home in Keçiören, hanging by a rope around her neck. Footage of her boyfriend, Ümitcan Uygun, allegedly abusing Sema Esen surfaced on social media shortly after her death. In the investigation launched regarding Esen's death, Ümitcan Uygun was detained by police teams and released after giving his statement.
The investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding Esen's death has been completed. In the prepared indictment, Ümitcan Uygun, who is held responsible for the death of Esen, who ended her life by hanging herself with a bathrobe belt, is facing up to 10 years for 'encouraging suicide and strengthening the decision to commit suicide' and up to 8 years for 'torture', totaling a request for up to 18 years in prison. The first hearing of the case opened at the Ankara 34th Heavy Penal Court was held today. In the hearing, the defendant Ümitcan Uygun, who is imprisoned for another case, was present along with Sema Esen's family, the lawyers of both parties, and witnesses.
"I DO NOT ACCEPT THE CHARGES"
The defendant Ümitcan Uygun denied the charges in his defense, stating, "On the day of the incident, we had an argument with Sema because we were going to my friend's party. Since it was a military party, I didn't want to take Sema, and that led to an argument. I put my phone on airplane mode. I do not accept the charges in any way. There is a video in the file, which is from before the incident. We were already living like a married couple, and we had arguments. In that video, she fainted because she had asthma. My whole family learned that Sema was working in a nightclub. When my family did not accept her, I stood up to my family and started living with her. We had verbal arguments like any married couple, but there was no physical assault other than that. The decision is up to your esteemed court," he stated.
"HE THREATENS TO PULL OUT YOUR TEETH"
Sema Esen's mother, Hatun Esen, said, "I am a mother; I washed my child with my own hands. She was bruised all over; my child is rotting in the ground, let him rot in prison too. I am complaining to the end. I want her grave to be opened," she said.
Father Mehmet Esen stated, "I want him to be tried with the heaviest penalty. We are constantly being threatened. Erol Uygun threatens us, saying, 'We will pull out your teeth.' I am complaining until God takes my life," he expressed.
Her brother Himmet Esen also stated that he is a complainant, saying, "He said they were living a married life, but he inflicted those tortures, made her work, and took her money. He says it's a married life; is it manly to make her work in such places?" he said.
"SHE WAS SCREAMING 'THEY ARE KILLING ME'"
Sema Esen's neighbor L.K., who was heard as a witness, said, "After they moved into the building, I started hearing abnormal noises. Screaming, beating sounds, Aleyna's voice; she was screaming, 'They are killing me, they are torturing me.' Aleyna told me, 'He is torturing me, what should I do?' I said, 'You need to leave.' There were a lot of noises; I was warning them. I was saying, 'I can't rest because of you.' Every day the same things; beatings, screams, Aleyna was warning me, 'Don't go down the stairs, he will throw you.' Then I moved out of that house. Aleyna had asked me for a spare phone because Ümit had confiscated her phone to be able to call someone. I told her I didn't have one," she said.
Witness M.G., who stated that they worked together with Sema Esen in the past, said, "I know that Ümit came to the place and sat with other girls, telling Sema, 'You will pay.' I saw Ümit taking the envelope from Sema's hand after work; I saw him hitting her. I saw bruises on Sema's arms and legs," he said.
"IF HE WANTED HER TO COMMIT SUICIDE, HE WOULDN'T THINK OF MARRYING HER"
Ümitcan Uygun's brother Birol Uygun also spoke in court as a witness. Uygun said, "I knew they were very close to each other. If a person wanted someone to commit suicide, they wouldn't think of marrying them," he said.
Witness B.G. stated, "Ümit is my close friend, and Aleyna was his girlfriend. I knew they were going to get married. Their relationship was good. I knew there were problems with Aleyna's family. I did not witness any assault," he said.
The court panel rejected the request for a re-examination of the apartment where Sema Esen lost her life. While the request of the complainant's lawyers to hear new witnesses was accepted, it was decided to add the defendant's file from the 17th Criminal Court of First Instance to the case file. The request to include the camera recordings from the buildings near the residence where the incident occurred was also rejected, and the hearing was adjourned.