Turkish court rules for heavier sentences in incest rape case

ANTALYA

A court in the southern Turkish province of Antalya has ruled for heavier sentences for a couple in an incest rape and murder case that had stirred public outcry. 

Ekrem Ergül, a father of four from the Kepez district, was earlier sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his mentally disabled daughter from 2008 to 2014, as well as killing two new born babies.

Cemile Ergül, who is the main suspect’s wife, was also sentenced to 12 years in prison for helping the man in all criminal acts.

The couple was arrested over a police tip-off from one of their neighbors.

The initial local court ruling was overturned by Turkey’s Court of Cassation, which decided that the sentence was too light for the crimes. 

Demirören News Agency reported Feb. 14 that the 5th Heavy Penal Court in Antalya held a re-trial and ruled for aggravated life sentences for both suspects over murder.

A separate case for other charges against the couple proceeds at the 4th Heavy Penal Court.

The children of the couple were taken under public custody.