Atlas Çağlayan murder sentencing and appeal

The Bakırköy 2nd Juvenile Heavy Penal Court has sentenced 14-year-old Efe Ç. to 18 years, 10 months, and 15 days in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Atlas Çağlayan. The killing occurred on January 14, 2026, in Istanbul’s Güngören district following a dispute between groups at a cafe.

The defendant was convicted of “intentional murder against a child,” “threat with a weapon,” and violations of Law No. 6136. Although the prosecutor requested a sentence of up to 21 years and 7 months, the final ruling included reductions. The defendant remains in custody.

Atlas Çağlayan’s mother, Gülhan Ünlü, criticized the verdict, arguing that sentence reductions and the defendant’s legal status as a “child” create a “perception of impunity.” She noted that the actual time served would be significantly less than the sentence suggests and has called for investigations into potential accomplices and reforms to the Execution Law.

Following the ruling, Ünlü stated that “justice was not served for Atlas” and described the outcome as a “reward for the killer” due to the anticipated reductions in time served. She also reported receiving threats via phone calls and messages after the court proceedings. The family has confirmed their intention to appeal the decision at the regional court of appeals.