Debate Over "Impunity" in the Fatal Accident of Naveed Akbar

The incident, which resulted in the death of 26-year-old university student Naveed Akbar, has raised concerns about whether military personnel receive special treatment in legal matters.

22-year-old Mehmet Eren Erdoğan, who was arrested following the accident, remains in custody in Ankara. The start date of his trial is yet to be determined, adding to the uncertainty and concern among those seeking justice.

Legal experts frequently criticize the handling of judicial processes involving TSK members, suggesting that such cases are often inadequately addressed or forgotten over time. Akbar's family is calling for justice, insisting that the responsible parties be held accountable without any preferential treatment.

Highlighting the principle that everyone should be equal before the law, Akbar's relatives stress that any delay or inadequacy in delivering justice could provoke significant public outrage, as seen in previous cases.

NURCAN GÜNDÜZ: SUCH ACCIDENTS LEAD TO CHARGES OF INTENTIONAL OR NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER

Dr. Nurcan Gündüz, an assistant professor at Eastern Mediterranean University's Faculty of Law, provided crucial insights on Turkey's criminal law regarding "probable intent" and "negligent manslaughter" in an interview with Kıbrıs Postası.

Dr. Gündüz pointed out that in Turkey, individuals involved in such accidents are charged with either intentional (probable intent) or negligent manslaughter. She explained that a conviction for manslaughter with probable intent could result in a life sentence, which may be reduced to 20 years. For negligent manslaughter, the sentence ranges from 2 to 6 years, and in cases of "conscious negligence," the penalty can be increased by one-third to one-half.

Furthermore, Dr. Gündüz addressed the procedures of the heavy penal courts in Cyprus, noting that a trial in a heavy penal court does not automatically result in detention. She mentioned that if a negligent manslaughter verdict is reached, the prison sentence could be deferred or be of short duration, depending on the Execution Law.

This incident has not only brought to light the specifics of legal procedures for TSK members but also underscored the need for transparency and equality in the judicial system to maintain public trust and ensure justice is served.