Four-Year Prison Sentence In Kyrenia Nightclub Stabbing Case

The ruling was issued unanimously by the court panel comprising Presiding Judge Melek Esendağlı, Senior Judge Alev Ulunay Hüdaverdi and Judge Temay Sağer, with the decision announced by Judge Esendağlı.

In explaining the judgment, Esendağlı said the court had taken into account the defendant’s young age and the findings of a social inquiry report. The report indicated that Kurtoğlu had been exposed to violence during his childhood, had experienced significant trauma, and had personally recovered the bodies of his grandmother and sister from the rubble following the 2023 Hatay earthquake. The court noted that these factors demonstrated a need for psychological support.

Esendağlı further stated that the report showed the defendant had been in the country on holiday during his university studies when the incident occurred, and that his education had been interrupted as a result of the case.

The court also considered that the victim recovered quickly after treatment, was discharged from hospital, and did not suffer permanent injury. It was noted that the defendant admitted the offence, contributing to the early conclusion of the case and the swift administration of justice.

Assessing all these circumstances, the court concluded that a sentence aimed at rehabilitating a young offender and reintegrating him into society was appropriate, and sentenced Ömer Kurtoğlu to four years’ imprisonment.