05.10.2025 10:54
In Antalya, Nazmiye Ş., who was tried on the charge of attempting to set fire to six children by pouring gasoline on them, was released without punishment on the grounds of being mentally unfit. Following the families' reactions, the decision will be appealed to the court of appeals.
In Antalya, a decision was made not to impose a penalty on Nazmiye Ş., who is being tried for allegedly pouring gasoline on six children and attempting to set them on fire, on the grounds that she was not of sound mind. While the court's decision shocked the families, they stated through their lawyers that they would take the case to the appellate court, asking, "Did one of the children have to die for this?"
TRIED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER 7 TIMES The incident occurred on May 28, 2024, in the Fevzi Çakmak neighborhood of the Kepez district. Nazmiye Ş., who moved into the apartment a month before the incident, attempted to set six children playing in the neighborhood on fire by pouring gasoline on them. The children's families intervened to prevent the tragedy. Aynur and Alihan Ç., who heard their children's screams, quickly ran downstairs and knocked the lighter out of Nazmiye Ş.'s hand. The woman, who resisted with a knife, then climbed to the roof of the apartment building and dangled from the window. Police, fire, and medical teams who arrived at the scene managed to bring the woman down after four hours of effort.
REPORT IDENTIFIES "PSYCHOTIC DISORDER" The report from the Forensic Medicine Institution's 4th Specialization Board, which was included in the court file, stated that the defendant was diagnosed with a "psychotic disorder" that would eliminate her criminal responsibility. The report indicated that Nazmiye Ş. lost her ability to perceive the legal meaning and consequences of her actions and to direct her behavior at the time she committed the crime. The court ruled that the defendant had no criminal responsibility based on this report and decided not to impose a penalty. It was decided that the defendant would be placed under protection and treatment in a high-security health institution. It was stated that if reports prepared at regular intervals by the institution indicate that the danger has been eliminated, she could be released by the decision of the execution judge.
The court also ruled to lift the previously imposed judicial control measures of a travel ban abroad and a prohibition on leaving her residence.
"HAS SHOCKED THE CONSCIENCE OF SOCIETY" Abbas Doğan, the lawyer for the victim families, made a statement after the hearing, saying: "In a case opened due to an attack on children at a young age, the months-long quest for justice by the victim families has ended in great disappointment. The court has ruled 'not to impose a penalty' on the grounds of the defendant's mental illness. This decision has deeply hurt not only the victims but everyone who witnessed this incident. The fact that no criminal sanction was applied after a serious attack in which a mother attempted to harm children with a knife and flammable substance has shaken the conscience of society. We will appeal this decision. We believe that justice should address not only legal articles but also consciences."
"DID ONE OF OUR CHILDREN HAVE TO DIE?" Özer D., the father of two of the children who were doused with gasoline, reacted to the decision, saying: "I do not find this decision correct. A person who attempts to kill ten children by pouring gasoline on them stays in prison for only one year, then the cases continue, and in the end, she is released. Our children are safe, thank God, but did one of them have to die? We want the woman to be punished. We demand that the case be retried in the appellate court. The children are still scared, asking, 'Will she come back, Dad?' We want her to be punished and not to roam free."
"WE ARE LIVING IN FEAR" Semra K., the mother of one of the children, said, "We want her to be punished; we are still afraid for our children and ourselves. We are not safe outside." Aynur Ç., who had three children harmed in the incident, also stated, "We do not accept this decision; we want justice. We do not want to live in fear; my children are still scared. My psychology worsened after the court's decision. I want her to go back to prison as soon as possible," she expressed.
DECISION TO BE APPEALED Abbas Doğan, the lawyer for the victim families, stated that they would file an appeal against the decision to the Antalya Regional Court of Justice, emphasizing that they are contesting the decision with the families and will continue the legal struggle. Doğan said, "Our aim is to protect not only our clients' sense of justice but also that of the entire society. We request that this decision be re-evaluated during the appeal process," he stated.