Prosecutor Seeks Over 21 Years for Suspect in Teen's Stabbing Death

In the trial concerning the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Atlas Çağlayan in Istanbul's Güngören district, a prosecutor has announced the final sentencing recommendation. The prosecution is seeking a prison term of 21 years, 7 months, and 15 days for the accused, E.Ç.

The case is being heard at the Bakırköy 2nd High Criminal Court for Children. The defendant, E.Ç., who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, appeared before the court for the first time. The hearing was attended by Atlas Çağlayan's parents, Gülhan Ünlü and Cüneyt Çağlayan, along with their lawyers and several other individuals. Press members and the public were excluded from the courtroom due to a confidentiality order.

The indictment, prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, details that the altercation occurred on January 14 at a cafe. During a dispute between two groups, the juvenile suspect E.Ç. allegedly stabbed Atlas Çağlayan. Çağlayan was subsequently taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Forensic reports indicate that E.Ç.'s cognitive abilities to understand the legal consequences of his actions and control his behavior were sufficiently developed at the time of the offense. The autopsy revealed that Çağlayan died from internal bleeding caused by stab wounds to his chest and the area below his heart, penetrating vital organs. Investigators found no evidence of prior acquaintance or existing animosity between Çağlayan and E.Ç. on Çağlayan's phone. However, E.Ç.'s phone contained multiple photos of himself with a weapon, as well as photos of weapons and a knife.

The indictment further notes that Çağlayan, being under 18 at the time, should be considered a child under Turkish law. The prosecution argues that stabbing Çağlayan multiple times in vital areas constitutes aggravated intentional homicide, as the crime was committed against a child. The knife used in the incident is also subject to charges under Law No. 6136, which regulates firearms and knives.