Turkish Court Sentences Syrian Woman to Life in Prison for Istanbul Bombing

A Turkish tribunal sentenced a Syrian woman to life in prison for her role in the deadly bombing on Istanbul's Istiklal Street in November 2022. The attack killed 6 people, including 2 children, and wounded 99 others.

Al-Bashir was arrested by Turkish security forces and accused of being a trained PKK special intelligence officer. The court found her guilty of 'undermining the unity and integrity of the state', 'premeditated child murder by bombing', 'premeditated murder by bombing', 'attempted murder', and 'possession or transfer of dangerous substances without permission'.

In addition to al-Bashir's sentence, 20 other defendants received sentences ranging from 4 years to life imprisonment for their involvement in the attack. Six of them were given aggravated life imprisonment for charges including 'disrupting the unity and integrity of the state' and 'intentional murder'.

Why this matters: The Istanbul bombing was part of a wave of attacks in Turkey since the ceasefire between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) broke down in 2015. The PKK's conflict with Turkey has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since 1984. This sentencing sends a strong message against terrorism and highlights the ongoing tensions in the region.

Authorities said al-Bashir had admitted to having links to the Syrian Kurdish militia the People's Defence Units (YPG) and having entered Turkey illegally via Syria. Turkey considers the YPG an affiliate of the banned PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.

The indictment attributed the attack to the PKK/YPG terrorist organization and detailed the involvement of al-Bashir and another operative, Bilal el-Hacmaus, who were trained and dispatched with explosive materials for the attack. The PKK has denied any responsibility for the bombing.

The court also released four detained defendants, while the cases of several fugitive defendants were separated for independent adjudication. "The action plan of this attack was determined by the PKK/KCK/YPG terrorist organization," the court said in its reasoning for the verdict.

Key Takeaways

• Turkish court sentences Syrian woman to life for 2022 Istanbul bombing.
• Attack killed 6, including 2 children, and wounded 99 others.
• 20 other defendants received sentences from 4 years to life imprisonment.
• Attack attributed to PKK/YPG terrorist organization, which Turkey considers linked.
• Sentencing highlights ongoing tensions between Turkey and Kurdish groups.