Attackers on Catholic church in Turkey sentenced to life imprisonment

Catholic Church of Saint Mary in Turkey after the terrorist attack on January 28, 2024. Photo: T24

On February 6, 2026, a court in Istanbul handed down life sentences to three main defendants in the case concerning the attack on the Catholic Church of St Mary. The ruling was reported by the T24 news portal.

Each of the convicted men received two life sentences, along with an additional term of 143 years in prison. The verdict was delivered by Istanbul’s 26th High Criminal Court.

The attack took place on January 28, 2024, in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. During a worship service, two masked assailants opened fire, killing a Turkish citizen. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the terrorist organization Islamic State.

As part of the investigation, more than 60 people were detained. A total of 43 defendants appeared before the court. The three principal perpetrators – a Russian citizen and two citizens of Tajikistan – were found guilty of attempting to violently overthrow the constitutional order and of premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances.

In addition, five defendants were sentenced to 101 years and six months in prison, while two others received six-year terms. Thirty-one defendants were acquitted, and two more were given varying prison sentences.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Turkish authorities had prevented planned terrorist attacks by supporters of the Islamic State.

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