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.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.