Turkish court upholds life sentence against murderer of HDP member, denies deeper investigation

Duvar English

An İzmir appeals court has upheld the aggravated life and 9-year prison sentences against Onur Gencer over the murder of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) member Deniz Poyraz, but rejected various objections raised by all parties, according to reporting by daily Evrensel's Eda Aktaş. 

The Aegean province of İzmir’s Criminal Court sentenced Onur Gencer to life in prison on charges of "murder in the first degree" and an additional nine years over "damage to property," "violation of the firearms law," and "violation of dwelling immunity" in December.

The lawyers of both sides as well as the prosecutor of the case appealed the court's decision.

The appeals court stated that it found “no violation of rules and regulations or unlawfulness” and rejected all appeals including defendant Onur Gencer’s request for his release.

The plaintiff’s lawyer said that the appeals court did not take into account the unlawful proceedings during the lawsuit.

They also stated that the verdict was finalized “suspiciously quickly,” and that they believed if the case was handled properly, the court would unearth the defendant’s connections.

Lawyer Türkan Arslan Ağaç stated they suspected meddling in the case from higher echelons. Ağaç added that they will keep pursuing justice, and are willing to take the case up to the European Human Rights Court if necessary. 

Onur Gencer set the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) headquarters building in İzmir on fire and killed party employee Deniz Poyraz on June 17, 2021. The HDP administration stated the attack was instigated by the government, and it took place on a day when more party officials were supposed to be in the building.