Court sentences five people to life imprisonment for the murder of Turkish nationalist Sinan Ates

The verdict was announced in the high-profile murder trial of former Ulku Ocaklari Foundation for Education and Culture President and Hacettepe University Associate Professor Sinan Ates. Five defendants, including the shooter and his accomplices, were sentenced to an aggravated life sentence.

The trial took place at the Ankara 32nd Higher Criminal Court on the campus of Sincan Penitentiary.

Attendees included the defendants, their lawyers, Ates' wife Ayse Ates, his mother Saniye Ates and other family members.

Five defendants received life sentences

After hearing the final defense statements from the defendants and their lawyers, the court announced its verdict. The gunman, Eray Ozyagci, along with motorcyclist Vedat Balkaya and boy scout Suat Kurt, were sentenced to a severe life sentence for “premeditated murder.”

They also received a 13-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of the applicant Selman Bozkurt.

In addition, Dogukan Cep and Tolgahan Demirbas were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “incitement to premeditated murder.”

The CHP leader of the largest opposition condemns the attack on Sinan Ates' sister

In a related development, CHP chief Ozgur Ozel condemned the attack on Ates' sister Selma Ates that took place outside the Sincan courthouse.

Ozel released a statement on social media linking the attack to a recent speech by a political party leader.

“I condemn the attack on Selma Ates today in Sincan. This attack is undoubtedly related to a speech by a political party leader (yesterday) in which Selma Ates was openly targeted,” Ozel explained.

He also criticized the political climate and accused certain parties of resorting to threats and physical violence.

“Despite the hostile environment created, the truth will eventually emerge and those responsible for the assassination will be brought to justice,” Ozel added.