10.09.2025 14:32
A 17-year-old named M.A., who stabbed and killed mosque imam Tarık Karadağ in Adana, stated in his defense, "I acted out of ignorance; I had no intention to kill."
In the incident that occurred in the Sinanpaşa neighborhood of the Yüreğir district around 14:45 on November 24, 2024, it was claimed that a dispute arose between M.A. and Tarık Karadağ, the imam of the Fet Ahmet Gülşen Mosque, regarding the harassment of M.A.'s sister. During the argument, M.A. stabbed Imam Karadağ in the abdomen and back with a knife he had with him and fled. Imam Karadağ, who was taken to the hospital, could not be saved despite all interventions.
LIFE IMPRISONMENT SOUGHT FOR THE SUSPECT
After the incident, M.A. was arrested, and the third hearing of the case opened at the Adana Children's Heavy Criminal Court, seeking life imprisonment, was held. The detained defendant M.A., the complainant Cennet Merda Karadağ, and lawyers attended the hearing. Complainant Karadağ stated that he reiterated his previous statements.
"I ACTED OUT OF IGNORANCE"
The public prosecutor stated that there was a legal and factual connection between the case file at the Adana 14th Heavy Criminal Court and the main file, requesting the files to be merged. He also requested that the defendant's detention be continued.
Defendant M.A. also stated that he reiterated his previous defenses, saying, "I acted out of ignorance; I had no intention to kill. If I wanted to, I could have continued stabbing multiple times. At the same time, I voluntarily ended my actions. Moreover, he was the first to attack; my father has no connection or involvement with my actions," and requested his acquittal.
DETENTION WILL CONTINUE
The court panel decided to continue the detention of defendant M.A. and to merge the case file at the Adana 14th Heavy Criminal Court with the main case file. The panel also decided to send the file to the relevant criminal division of the Adana Regional Court of Appeal to resolve the negative merger dispute that arose between the two courts. It was learned that the case would continue after the evaluation of the Regional Court of Appeal.