Second hearing in Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı murder trial continues in Istanbul

On 19 March, 21‑year‑old amateur footballer Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı was killed in an armed attack outside a studio in Ümraniye, Istanbul. The case is being tried at the Anadolu 27 Heavy Criminal Court. A second hearing began today, with the court examining new evidence and addressing procedural issues.

The defendants include Aleyna Kalaycıoğlu, Alaattin Kadayıfçıoğlu, Hüseyin Can Avcı, Mustafa Rece, Metin Kadayıfçıoğlu, Ahmet Özkoç (all in custody) and, as non‑custodial suspects, Zuhal Kalaycıoğlu, Bilal Kadayıfçıoğlu and Izzet Yıldızhan (appearing via SEGBİS). The prosecutor has asked that the custodial defendants remain detained and has sought life imprisonment for Aleyna Kalaycıoğlu and Alaattin Kadayıfçıoğlu, while requesting up to five years for Izzet Yıldızhan.

The courtroom saw heightened tension: the victim’s father, Cemil Kundakçı, shouted accusations of witness collusion, and Aleyna Kalaycıoğlu reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown after a prior hearing. Families of the victim and defendants exchanged heated statements during the session.