Ethem Sarısülük Case Suspended

Ankara 6th High Criminal Court suspended the trial of policeman Ahmet Şahbaz, the top suspect in the case of Ethem Sarısülük. 

The court ruled on the suspension and transfer to Ankara Prosecutor’s Office on the ground that the case opened without “necessary permissions to prosecute” a state worker. 

Advocate Kazım Bayraktar objected to the decision, claiming that it unlawfully aimed to put barriers on the prosecution of policeman Şahbaz. 

“Such permissions are only asked in case of crimes related to suspected state worker’s duties. When we look at the indictment as a whole, it can be seen that Şahbaz didn’t commit a crime related to his duties.”

“Politician-Police-Lawyer Collaboration”

Advocate Bayraktar continued: “They put a new barrier before us.”

“They are trying to prolong the trial process in an unlawful manner. Prosecutor Dalgalı is experienced with this sort of cases. He submitted the indictment knowing that it wasn’t related to Şahbaz’s duties. So he didn’t seek permissions. Anyway, it was written to protect the policeman. Even so, the court is trying to prevent Şahbaz from prosecution. They are trying to save him from standing trial.” 

“From the very beginning of the investigation, there was a politician-police-lawyer collaboration. This is just another impediment.”

Bayraktar reminded that they need to apply to an administrational court in case Ankara Governor Officer will refuse Şahbaz’s prosecution request. 

“In that case, the trial will take years. They are openly protection the police.” (AS/BM)