Somali President’s son sentenced in Turkey for death of motorcyclist
A Turkish court on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, sentenced Mohammed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the son of the Somali President, to two and a half years in prison, immediately commuted to a fine, for the death of a motorcycle courier. The charge of « causing death by negligence » stemmed from an accident involving a diplomatic car driven by Mohamud that collided with Yunus Emre Gocer on a highway in Istanbul on November 30.
An arrest warrant had been issued against Mohamud after Gocer’s death six days later, but the President’s son had already left Turkey. He returned last week to testify about the accident, leading to the revocation of the arrest warrant and travel ban.
Despite Mohamud’s absence, the Istanbul court found him guilty of negligence leading to death and sentenced him to a fine of 27.300 Turkish liras (910 dollars), also revoking his driver’s license for six months. Prosecutors had initially sought a prison sentence of up to six years.
The decision to commute the sentence to a fine has sparked criticism from the victim’s father and a association advocating for the rights of motorcycle couriers. The father’s lawyer stated that he is considering an appeal, while the association questioned the fairness of justice in this case.
The death of the motorcyclist risks straining relations between Turkey and Somalia. Turkey has initiated an investigation into those responsible for the initial inquiry into the accident and has been accused of allowing Mohamud’s release.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized respect for Turkish laws and the judicial system, asserting that his son had not fled but rather advising him to appear in court. Turkish authorities have established close ties with Somalia since 2011, providing humanitarian aid, building infrastructure, and opening a military base.
