Turkish ‘serial killer’ given aggravated life sentences over committing three murders

ISTANBUL

A court in Istanbul ordered on March 9 two times aggravated life-term sentences for Atalay Filiz, a Turkish “serial killer” who became widely known after committing a series of murders, Doğan News Agency has reported.

Filiz, 30, accused of murdering three people, including a Russian national, was sentenced on charges of “committing deliberate murder.”

Filiz said he murdered Göktuğ Demirarslan, one of his victims, because he was a member of the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which is believed to have been behind the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt, at his trial through the voice and video informatics system (SEGBİS). The court rejected his claim.

“Actually, I can explain what happened during the 20 hours. But I will not tire myself because the decision has been made,” he added. 

He said he did what the people wanted, stating that Demirarslan would have been a traitor if he was alive.

Filiz’s lawyer demanded to have an expert determine the state of his mental stability, but the court rejected the request.   

Filiz was caught in İzmir after being recognized by a passerby, leading to his apprehension on June 12. The police had been on high alert for Filiz, who was also sought internationally.

Ramazan Karakuş, the police chief who helped apprehend Filiz, was arrested in the Menderes district of the Aegean province of İzmir over his links to U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15 coup attempt, on Aug. 30, 2016.

The İzmir Governor’s Office and İzmir Police Department gave rewards to the police officers involved in the operation to catch Filiz and the people who notified the police regarding his whereabouts. 

Karakuş was among the police officers who received a reward for his efforts during the operation.