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The case of Russian national Anastasia Emelianova's murder in Erzurum has taken a new turn.
Authorities accuse the primary suspect, Mohammad Nizar Arnabeh, of fleeing to Syria. Turkish courts have reopened the case after overturning an earlier acquittal.
Authorities detained Arnabeh on the same day.
Prosecutors charged Arnabeh in the Erzurum First High Criminal Court with premeditated murder against a woman. Arnabeh denied the charges.
The court initially acquitted him, citing insufficient evidence, and ordered his release.
However, Anastasia Emelianova's family appealed the decision. The Erzurum Regional Court of Justice overturned the acquittal, citing inconsistencies in Arnabeh's statements, and ordered a retrial.
Arnabeh and his lawyers did not appear at the retrial's first hearing. The court postponed the case and issued an arrest warrant.
The family's lawyer, Aziz Emre Yilmaz, said Arnabeh likely fled to Syria and may have moved to another country.
"We suspect he initially went to Syria and could have traveled elsewhere. A red notice request has been filed through Interpol to aid in his capture," Yilmaz stated.
The family's lawyer, Yilmaz, stressed the family's commitment to seeking justice. He explained that Arnabeh must return to court to address conflicting testimonies. "The grieving mother's only request is for the truth to come out," Yilmaz said.
Turkish authorities have alerted law enforcement agencies to monitor border crossings and track Arnabeh's movements.
Interpol is expected to expedite efforts to locate and detain him. The court will focus on resolving procedural issues and ensuring justice for Emelianova.
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