Mehmet Salih Ay to Face Trial with a 14-Year Prison Sentence for Fatal Accident

Police Sergeant Yusuf Özenci shared the case details in court, stating that on November 13, 2024, at around 5:30 PM, Ay lost control of his JU 988 car while driving northbound on the Haspolat-Taşkent main road. His vehicle swerved uncontrollably and collided with a UV 357 truck driven by 38-year-old Ahmet S.A. Bakr, heading in the opposite direction.

As a result of the collision, Ay and his passengers—Sabri Baykuş, Efe Çahan Alemdar, and Süleyman Sarıca—were injured and transported to Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital. While Alemdar and Sarıca were treated in the orthopedic ward, Baykuş was admitted to intensive care with a severe brain injury.

Progression of the Case

Police noted that Baykuş was declared brain-dead on November 23 and passed away on November 25. The case, initially a severe injury incident, was reclassified as a fatal accident, falling under the jurisdiction of the heavy penal court.

Court Decision

The prosecution argued that Ay, a first-year law student with limited ties to the country, posed a flight risk. They highlighted the severity of the charges, which could result in a 14-year prison sentence. The police also indicated ongoing investigations, including witness statements and coordination with the Highways and Meteorology Departments.

Ay’s defense attorney objected to the pretrial detention request, leading to a bail hearing. Judge Nuray Necdet, evaluating the evidence, ordered Ay to be remanded in custody for no more than two months.