Kilis court orders continued detention in Gina Mercimek retrial

The retrial regarding the death of 9-year-old Syrian child Gina Mercimek has continued in Kilis, Turkey. During the second hearing at the Kilis 2nd High Criminal Court, the court ruled that defendants Hüseyin Boğuç and Azittin Altınöz will remain in custody.

Both defendants participated in the hearing via video link from prison, claiming innocence and requesting their release. They face charges of intentional murder, sexual abuse of a child, and deprivation of liberty. The court adjourned the proceedings until October 14.

The case stems from April 2023, when Mercimek disappeared after school. Her body was later discovered in a water well in the garden of a neighbor, with forensic reports indicating she had been sexually abused and strangled.

A previous ruling had sentenced Boğuç to aggravated life imprisonment while acquitting Altınöz. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision, ruling that both defendants should face maximum penalties, leading to this current retrial. The victim's family lawyer stated they would continue their legal struggle to ensure the defendants receive the heaviest possible sentences.