Veysi Erdal (51) and his son Kadir Ozan Erdal (29), who were sentenced to 18 years in prison each for the murder of Şeyhmus Özdemir, a social media phenomenon known by the nickname ‘Ares’, appeared before the judge again after the case was reversed by the Court of Cassation. The court sentenced the defendants to 12 years in prison each this time and ordered their release.
Kadir Ozan Erdal allegedly saw inappropriate photos of his sister H.E. (14) on the internet. His sister H.E., who was pressured by Erdal, said that Şeyhmus Özdemir, a social media phenomenon known by the pseudonym ‘Ares’, put the photos on the website. Kadir Ozan Erdal told the situation to his father Veysi Erdal. The father and son, who came to Antalya’s Kepez district from Diyarbakır, made an appointment with Özdemir on the pretext of shooting a commercial. On February 4, 2020, the father and son met Özdemir at a cafe, took him to the forest and beat him to death, then informed the police and paramedics. While the detained father and son were arrested, Şeyhmus Özdemir died 15 days later.
FILE RETURNED FROM THE SUPREME COURT
A lawsuit was filed against Veysi Erdal and Kadir Ozan Erdal at Antalya 4th High Criminal Court demanding life imprisonment for ‘intentional killing’. At the final hearing of the case, the prosecutor stated that the defendants were found guilty of ‘intentional killing’ and demanded life imprisonment. The prosecutor also asked for provocation provisions to be applied for the defendants. The court sentenced Veysi Erdal and his son Kadir Ozan Erdal to 18 years in prison each. ‘Unjust provocation’ discount was not applied to the defendants. The Court of Cassation reversed the verdict, demanding that the defendants be sentenced for ‘intentional injury’.
DEFENDANTS DEMANDED THEIR RELEASE
Defendants Veysi Erdal and Kadir Ozan Erdal were connected to the hearing held at Antalya 4th High Criminal Court via SEGBİS from the prison where they were staying. Veysi Erdal stated that he had no intent in the incident and said, “I have been arrested for years. I demand my acquittal and release. I take refuge in the conscience of justice.” Kadir Ozan said, “I do not accept the accusations, I do not accept the points against me, I take refuge in justice, I demand my release.”
‘THEY SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED’
Şeyhmus Özdemir’s mother Sultan Kızılay said, “They took my son to a forest area even though there was no evidence against him. They beat him to death. After 15 days in intensive care my son died. The murderers killed my son. Now they want to be released. My son was just a child.” Şeyhmus Özdemir’s father Yaşar Özdemir said, “Isn’t what they did planned and deliberate? Our trust in justice is endless. We want them to be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment. They should not be released.”
