A Turkish court has sentenced two Tajik nationals and one Russian citizen to life imprisonment over a terrorist attack on the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, Fergana News Agency reports, citing T24.com.
Each of the three defendants received two life sentences, along with an additional 143 years in prison.
Those convicted are Tajik citizens Amirzhon Kholiqov and Adam Khamirzayev, also known by the alias “Adam Abu-Darrar al-Shishani,” as well as Russian national David Tanduyev.
The attack took place on January 28, 2024, when two masked gunmen entered the church during a service, opened fire on worshippers, and fled the scene. A 52-year-old Turkish citizen, Tuncer Jihan, was killed. According to the priest, the number of victims could have been much higher if one of the attackers’ weapons had not jammed.
The Islamic State (ISIS) group, designated a terrorist organization in Turkiye, Russia, and many other countries, claimed responsibility for the attack. More than 60 people were detained during the investigation.
Investigators determined that the attack was carried out by Amirzhon Kholiqov and David Tanduyev on the orders of Adam Khamirzayev. All three were found guilty under two articles of Turkiye’s Criminal Code — “attempt to violently overthrow the constitutional order” and “premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances” — and were sentenced to life imprisonment on each count. They were also given an additional 143 years for “attempted murder with aggravating circumstances.”
Five more Tajik nationals — Shamsullo Rajabov, Alisher Rahimov, Farrukh Soliyev, Abdulaziz Abdullayev, and Rasoul Ahmadzhanov — were sentenced to lengthy prison terms totaling 101 years and six months each. Their sentences include:
· 15 years for “attempting to violently overthrow Turkey’s constitutional order”;
· 15 years for “aiding and abetting murder with aggravating circumstances”;
· 71 years and six months for “aiding and abetting attempted murder with aggravating circumstances.”
Two other defendants, Isminali Mirzozhonov and Edelkhan Inazhayev, were sentenced to six years and three months in prison for “membership in an armed terrorist organization.”
In total, 41 people were tried in connection with the case. The court acquitted 31 defendants. According to the investigation, all those convicted were members of the Islamic State group.