08.05.2026 18:47
In the trial of Ümitcan Uygun regarding the death of Aleyna Çakır, who was found dead in her home in Ankara, the prosecutor presented their opinion. In the opinion, it was requested that the defendant Uygun be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for the crimes of 'incitement to suicide and strengthening the decision to commit suicide' and 'inflicting torture'.
Sema Esen, known as 'Aleyna Çakır', was found dead on June 3, 2020, at her home in Keçiören with a rope around her neck.
Images of her alleged boyfriend Ümitcan Uygun assaulting Sema Esen were shared on social media shortly after her death. In the investigation launched into Esen's death, Ümitcan Uygun was taken into custody by police and released after giving his statement.
At the conclusion of the investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a case was filed against Ümitcan Uygun, who was held responsible for the death of Esen, who ended her life by hanging herself from the door with a bathrobe hook.
TRIAL CONTINUED
The hearing of the case filed in the Ankara 34th Heavy Penal Court continued.
Defendant Ümitcan Uygun, who is detained as a convict from another case, connected via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS), while the lawyers of the parties were present in the courtroom. Defending himself, defendant Uygun said, 'There is a common misconception. In the Aleyna Çakır case, an impression is being created as if I am being tried for murder. I was acquitted of murder. But the other side loves the media and social media and turned it into this. My sentence is almost over, but I cannot be released because I have the status of a dangerous detainee.'
'SYSTEMATIC VIOLENCE AND THREATS'
Lawyer Umur Yıldırım, representing Sema Esen's family, said, 'If Sema Esen killed herself, which we do not accept, Ümitcan Uygun's threats, directives, and violence are involved. These are proven by messages. Witnesses also stated that Uygun constantly applied violence and that Sema Esen had bruises on her body. This is not a case of 'I hit her once.' There is systematic violence and threats here. His sentence is almost over, and he may be released. Therefore, we request the arrest of defendant Uygun along with the verdict.'
15-YEAR PRISON DEMAND
The public prosecutor, presenting their opinion on the merits, requested that defendant Uygun be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for the crimes of 'incitement to suicide and strengthening the decision to commit suicide' and 'inflicting torment.'
Defendant Uygun, making a defense against the opinion, said, 'I do not accept the penalty requested for me. There is no evidence against me. The footage reflected in the media is presented as if it were from the day Aleyna died. But this incident happened earlier. I did not kill Aleyna, but somehow, I slapped her, and I admit that, and they call it 'torment.' If slapping someone is torment, then set up a gallows in Kızılay and hang me.'
Announcing the interim decision, the court president decided to give the lawyers of the parties time to prepare their defense against the opinion and adjourned the hearing until September 22.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ümitcan Uygun went to the home of his girlfriend Sema Esen, who used the name 'Aleyna Çakır' and lived in Yükseltepe Neighborhood, Keçiören district of Ankara, on June 3, 2020. When she did not open the door, a locksmith was called, and the woman's body was discovered.
An investigation was launched into the incident. It was determined that the footage of Çakır, which was shared on social media with the claim that she died as a result of being beaten by her boyfriend, was taken 1.5 months before the incident.
In the prepared indictment, it is requested that defendant Uygun be punished for the crimes of 'incitement to suicide and strengthening the decision to commit suicide' and 'inflicting torment' regarding Esen's death.