Timur Cihantimur trial begins: Victim's father reacts strongly outside court

The trial for Timur Cihantimur, accused of causing the death of 29-year-old Oğuz Murat Aci in a March 2024 incident in Istanbul, commenced at the Gaziosmanpaşa 4th High Criminal Court. Cihantimur, currently detained in the United States, could not participate in the proceedings as his extradition process is ongoing. However, the victim's parents, Özer and Pervin Aci, along with their legal representatives, were in attendance.

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I am not concerned with my conscience and heart being cooled, it is important that the public's heart is cooled, softened.

Before the hearing, Özer Aci addressed the press outside the courthouse, emphasizing his anticipation of justice. He noted that 28 months had passed since the incident and expressed that his primary concern was not personal solace but the "calming of the public's heart." Aci conveyed his satisfaction with the suspect's detention in the U.S. and pledged his continued support for the legal proceedings.

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Where were you for 28 months? Why didn't you contact us? Did you only remember the grieving parents today?

Aci strongly reacted to recent attempts by the opposing party to communicate with him, questioning their absence for the past 28 months. "Where were you for 28 months? Why didn't you contact us? Did you only remember the grieving parents today?" he asked, alleging that efforts were being made to influence the trial's course. He further accused the other side of attempting to "buy off" his late son's friends to withdraw from the case and mentioned that he had not seen his grandchild for 11 months.

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When you bought my late son's friends and made them abandon the case, where were you? When you bought my daughter-in-law, wasn't I there? I haven't seen my grandchild for about 11 months.

Recalling the incident, Aci suggested that if a child without a license committed a crime, their parents or guardians should be held accountable. The incident occurred on March 1, 2024, when 17-year-old Timur Cihantimur, driving without a license, crashed into three parked ATVs in Eyüpsultan, Istanbul, resulting in Oğuz Murat Aci's death and injuries to others. Cihantimur reportedly fled the scene with his mother, Eylem Tok, and possibly his father, Bülent Cihantimur, before being taken abroad. A red notice has been issued for Cihantimur, who is currently detained in the U.S. with his mother.

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If a child who is not qualified has committed a crime, I think the parent or guardian should be punished.