First Hearing in the Ayser Çalık Middle School Attack to Be Held Tomorrow
The first hearing in the case concerning the deadly attack at Ayser Çalık Middle School in Kahramanmaraş will take place tomorrow before the Kahramanmaraş 3rd High Criminal Court.
The attack, which occurred on April 15, claimed the lives of teacher Ayla Kara and nine students. Fifteen other students were injured in the shooting. The incident was allegedly carried out by student İsa Aras Mersinli inside the school.
The defendants in the case are the suspect’s parents, Uğur Mersinli and Peyman Pınar Mersinli. Both remain in custody and are expected to attend the hearing via the Audio and Video Information System, known as SEGBİS, from the correctional institutions where they are being held.
Charges Against the Defendants
According to the indictment prepared by the Kahramanmaraş Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Uğur Mersinli faces charges of “intentional killing with probable intent” and violating Law No. 6136, which regulates firearms, knives and other weapons.
Peyman Pınar Mersinli has been charged with causing death and injury through conscious negligence. The court accepted the indictment, allowing the judicial process to formally begin.
The first hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. tomorrow. During the session, the court is expected to establish the identities of the defendants, hear their statements and assess the evidence collected during the investigation.
Defendants Expected to Testify Remotely
Because the two defendants are being held in separate correctional facilities, the court had sent official requests to the relevant institutions to ensure their participation through SEGBİS. This system enables defendants in custody to attend court proceedings and give statements by secure video connection.
Their testimony is expected to form one of the central parts of the opening hearing. The court may also review the prosecution’s allegations, the defense’s preliminary responses and the requests of the victims’ relatives.
The legal proceedings are expected to examine not only the circumstances of the attack but also the defendants’ alleged responsibilities in relation to the weapon and the events that preceded the shooting.
Investigation Focuses on Responsibility
The prosecution’s case distinguishes between the alleged actions and responsibilities of the two defendants. The charges against the father concern the use or possession of a weapon and the deaths allegedly connected to the attack. The mother is accused of failing to exercise the necessary care and foresight, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The court will evaluate whether the evidence supports these allegations. Witness statements, forensic findings, security camera recordings, expert reports and information concerning the weapon may all be considered as part of the trial.
The fact that the attack took place in an educational institution has heightened public concern and added importance to the judicial process. Families of the victims are expected to closely follow the hearing and seek clarification regarding how the weapon entered the school and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
Families Await Justice
The deaths of a teacher and nine children caused deep grief in Kahramanmaraş. The injured students were treated following the attack, while their families have continued to cope with the physical and emotional consequences of the incident.
For the victims’ relatives, the first hearing represents the beginning of a long legal process rather than its conclusion. They are expected to request that all individuals whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the tragedy be fully investigated.
The court may decide on additional evidence, new expert examinations or further witness testimony during or after the first session. It may also assess whether the existing evidence is sufficient to continue the case under the charges included in the indictment.
Security Measures Expected Around the Courthouse
Given the number of victims and the sensitivity of the case, additional security measures may be implemented around the courthouse during the hearing. Attendance procedures and courtroom capacity may also be subject to restrictions.
The presence of victims’ families, lawyers and other parties will be determined in accordance with court regulations. Statements made during the hearing could provide further details about the investigation and clarify the positions of both the prosecution and the defense.
However, the court will ultimately determine criminal responsibility only after considering all evidence and legal arguments. The defendants are entitled to present their defenses throughout the proceedings, while the victims’ relatives have the right to participate in the case through their legal representatives.
The hearing, scheduled to begin at 09.00 tomorrow, is expected to mark a significant stage in the case arising from the Ayser Çalık Middle School attack. Further sessions will determine how the evidence is evaluated and whether additional charges, witnesses or investigative procedures will be included in the trial.