Turkish court sentences Ümitcan Uygun to 4 years in Aleyna Çakır death case

September 22, 2026 at 06:43 PM2 min

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An Ankara court sentenced Ümitcan Uygun to four years in prison for inciting the suicide of Sema Esen, known as Aleyna Çakır, on Monday. The Ankara 34th High Criminal Court acquitted Uygun of the separate charge of torture. Esen was found dead in her Keçiören home on June 3, 2020.

Key Facts

The Ankara 34th High Criminal Court sentenced Ümitcan Uygun to 4 years in prison for inciting suicide and reinforcing the suicide decision.
The court acquitted Uygun of the charge of torture.
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 6 years 6 months to 15 years for Uygun on charges of inciting suicide and torture.
Sema Esen, 21, was found dead in her home in Ankara's Keçiören district on June 3, 2020.
The Forensic Medicine Institute report stated that death occurred by hanging.

Verdict and Sentencing

The Ankara 34th High Criminal Court announced its verdict on Monday after hearing final statements from the defendant and lawyers. Uygun received a 4-year prison sentence for inciting suicide and reinforcing the suicide decision. The court acquitted him of the torture charge. Prosecutors had requested a sentence of up to 15 years in their final opinion presented on May 8, 2026.

Case Background

Sema Esen, known publicly as Aleyna Çakır, was found dead in her Keçiören home on June 3, 2020, with a rope around her neck. The Forensic Medicine Institute determined the death was caused by hanging. Videos showing Uygun allegedly assaulting Esen surfaced on social media shortly after her death. Uygun was detained during the investigation and released after giving his statement.

Courtroom Statements

Esen's father Mehmet Esen told the court he trusted the justice system and wanted Uygun to serve his sentence. Her mother Hatun Esen demanded a life sentence, saying she wanted Uygun never to see daylight again. Uygun denied causing any woman's death and said he had intended to marry Esen.