Diyarbakır murder case of Bülent Arpacı proceeds as father re‑files complaint

A 22‑year‑old woman, Merve Nur Yararlık, was shot dead and a male companion wounded in a café inside a shopping‑centre in Diyarbakır on 8 March 2025. The suspect, Bülent Arpacı, was arrested while armed and is being tried before the Diyarbakır 3rd Heavy Criminal Court.

The prosecution has asked that Arpacı remain in pre‑trial detention and is seeking an aggravated life sentence together with a term of 15‑24 years for intentional murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms. The defence has reiterated a request for the suspect’s release.

Yararlık’s father, Osman Yararlık, had earlier withdrawn his complaint, claiming the incident was an accident. He has now re‑filed a complaint, stating he believes the killing was intentional and accusing the accused’s side of offering about one million Turkish lira. The court has adjourned the hearing to 29 September pending a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect.