40 life sentences sought for nightclub attack suspect

By Muhammed Enes Can and Murat Kaya

ISTANBUL

An indictment of the main suspect in the Istanbul New Year’s Eve attack that took dozens of lives is ready, according to a judicial source.

According to the indictment, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors' Office is seeking 40 aggravated life sentences for Abdulgadir Masharipov, accused of opening fire in a crowded nightclub in the Ortakoy neighborhood in the early hours of Jan. 1, taking 39 lives and injuring over 70.

Masharipov, who is of Uzbek descent, is charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group, deliberate killing, attempting to topple the constitutional order, and the possession of heavy weapons.

The indictment also calls for 15 years in prison for being a member of an armed terrorist group and up to 2,370 years for attempted multiple murders.

The indictment has now been sent to 27th Heavy Penal Court in Istanbul.

The 90-page indictment lists 39 people as the "victims" and 122 people, including 60 foreigners, as "aggrieved."

A total of 57 suspects are mentioned in the indictment, with 51 of them jailed pending trial.