Sentence of man who attacked Armenian church overturned due to 'lack of criminal responsibility'

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The prison sentence of the defendant in the case concerning a 2020 attack on an Armenian church in İstanbul has been overturned.

The İstanbul 64th Penal Court of Peace ruled on April 12 that the defendant, Mazlum Serin, does not have criminal responsibility, according to a report by Agos, a weekly Armenian newspaper.

The defendant should be "put under protection in a high-security health institution," the court ruled. He can be released if the health institution concludes that he is no longer a threat to society, accor ding to the ruling.

What happened?

On May 28, 2020, Serin attacked Surp Krikor Lusaroviç Armenian Church in Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar, removing and throwing away a cross on the church.

He was initially released upon judicial control measures after testifying, but was later remanded in custody upon an appeal by the İstanbul Anadolu chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

On July 14, 2020, Serin was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months in prison for "damaging places of worship and cemeteries." He was released after the pronouncement of the verdict. (RT/VK)