An Istanbul court has sentenced two teenagers to 24 years in prison each — the maximum penalty allowed for minors under Turkish law — for the brutal murder of 15-year-old Ahmet Matia Minguzzi, a Turkish-Italian boy whose killing shocked the nation and reignited debate over juvenile sentencing.

The fatal attack took place in January in Kadıköy, where Minguzzi had gone to a local market to purchase skateboarding equipment. He was reportedly assaulted and fatally stabbed by peers in what authorities described as an unprovoked act of violence.

The verdict, delivered on October 21, found two main defendants guilty of intentional murder, while two others accused of aiding and abetting were acquitted and released. The judge ruled that no mitigating factors, such as provocation, would apply.

Under Turkish law, offenders under 18 cannot receive life sentences, as legal provisions mandate sentence reductions for minors. Consequently, 24 years represents the highest sentence available for juvenile offenders.

Prior to sentencing, the two main defendants reportedly expressed deep remorse in their final statements. However, the court’s decision to acquit the other two defendants prompted outrage from the victim’s family and supporters. Minguzzi’s lawyer confirmed they would appeal the acquittals, while prosecutors immediately filed a formal objection against the release.

The emotional toll of the verdict was evident in the courtroom. Minguzzi’s mother, Yasemin Minguzzi, broke down in tears and fainted after hearing the acquittal decision, requiring assistance from relatives as she left the courtroom.

Outside the courthouse, protesters gathered to demand tougher penalties for violent offenders, chanting, “We don’t want killers on the streets.”

For nearly ten months, the Minguzzi family has been campaigning for minors who commit grave, unprovoked crimes to be tried as adults. Their advocacy has sparked renewed national debate over reforming Türkiye’s juvenile justice system.

In response to growing public concern, the Justice Ministry has announced plans to review existing sentencing laws and consider stricter penalties for minors convicted of severe violent offenses. (ILKHA)