Gaziantep prosecutor seeks life sentences for fatal armed attack

A prosecutor has requested life imprisonment for four defendants involved in the killing of 18-year-old Mehmet Akdeniz in Gaziantep. The request was made during the fourth hearing at the Gaziantep 3rd High Criminal Court.

The incident occurred on August 30, 2025, at Bülbülzade Park in the Şahinbey district. Akdeniz and his friends were reportedly targeted in an armed attack by four individuals arriving on two motorcycles. Akdeniz succumbed to his injuries in the hospital despite medical intervention.

During the trial, the victim's family requested that the defendants be punished for ‘premeditated murder.’ In contrast, the defendants expressed regret and sought acquittal and release. The court has granted the defense lawyers additional time to prepare their response and has decided to maintain the detention of the suspects. The hearing has been postponed to a later date.