14.02.2025 07:50
The court regarding the extradition of Timur Cihantimur, who caused the death of Oğuz Murat Aci while driving a vehicle without a license in Istanbul, and his mother Eylem Tok, who fled to the USA, approved the extradition of the mother and son to Turkey. However, upon the request of the defense attorneys, it granted an additional 28-day legal period.
The lawyer of Eylem Tok, who abducted her son Timur Cihantimur to the USA after causing the death of Oğuz Murat Aci by driving a vehicle without a license in Istanbul, Jennifer M. Herrmann, requested the suspension of Tok's extradition process to Turkey. Herrmann submitted a petition to the court requesting a 60-day suspension of the process to prepare an objection petition against Tok's extradition.
THE LAWYER REQUESTED ADDITIONAL TIME
The petition argued that the temporary suspension of the extradition is a legal necessity, emphasizing that Tok needs additional time to fully exercise her legal rights.
"EXTRADITION SHOULD BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED"
The petition argued that the temporary suspension of the extradition is a legal necessity, emphasizing that Tok needs additional time to fully exercise her legal rights.
"TOK'S LIFE IS IN DANGER IN TURKEY"
The petition claimed that Tok would face serious risks if extradited to Turkey. It was alleged that Tok and her family have received death threats in Turkey, and it was suggested that the likelihood of these threats materializing would be high if she is extradited. The petition stated that this situation poses a significant danger in terms of human rights, and it expressed that the court's decision to temporarily suspend the process would be critical.
In the petition submitted by lawyer Herrmann, it was stated that there are many controversial points regarding Tok's extradition from a legal perspective, and these issues need to be addressed in detail in court. The petition noted that there are significant legal questions regarding whether the charges against Tok can be evaluated under the extradition agreement between the USA and Turkey, emphasizing that the process should not be rushed. It was argued that issues such as whether the mobile phone allegedly received by Tok has evidentiary value and whether the charges are in accordance with the extradition agreement should be discussed in court.
THE EXTRADITION ORDER WILL NOT BE ISSUED IMMEDIATELY
Following this application, prosecutor Kristen Kearney, who is handling the case, explained the US government's position regarding the process in a petition submitted to the court. Prosecutor Kearney stated that the US Department of State will not issue an order for the extradition of Tok and her son to Turkey despite the court's approval, and that the extradition process will not take place for 28 days. During this period, it was expressed that Tok and Cihantimur would be given the opportunity to exercise their legal right to appeal.
IF A HABEAS APPLICATION IS MADE, THE EXTRADITION PROCESS WILL BE SUSPENDED
The prosecutor's petition stated that Eylem Tok and Timur Cihantimur have a period of 28 days to appeal the court's extradition decision. If a Habeas Corpus application is made within this period, it was stated that the court will not proceed with the extradition process without evaluating this application.
However, if the court rejects the Habeas application, the US Department of State may issue an extradition order for Tok and her son. Regarding the details of the extradition, it was noted that unless the court makes a contrary decision, the extradition process could occur at any time from this point onward.
THEY WILL NOT BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY FOR 28 DAYS
Following the prosecutor's petition, Judge Donald L. Cabell entered an electronic decision regarding the case into the system. The details of the decision stated, "The court will sign and forward the approval and commitment document regarding Eylem Tok's extradition submitted by the US government to the Department of State. However, the US Department of State will not extradite Tok to Turkey for 28 days from the date this document is recorded. If Tok submits a Habeas Corpus petition during this period, the court will not evaluate this application, and the US administration will not proceed with the extradition process."
THEY HAD BEEN DECIDED FOR EXTRADITION
Judge Donald Cabell, who is handling the case, ruled on February 11 that the extradition of Timur Cihantimur and Eylem Tok to Turkey is appropriate and ordered the defendants to be extradited to Turkey under the Extradition Treaty in force between Turkey and the USA.
WHAT IS A HABEAS CORPUS APPLICATION?
A Habeas Corpus application allows the detained person sent to court to exercise their rights and appeal against their detention. The order is a procedure that prisoners can use to appeal against illegal imprisonment or unlawful detention.