On April 11, 2025, the trial for the murder of 15-year-old Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi commenced in Istanbul, a case that has gripped the nation and sparked significant outrage over juvenile crime. The hearing took place at the Istanbul Anadolu 2nd Children's High Criminal Court, where the two accused, both minors aged 15 and 16, appeared before the judge.
Mattia was brutally killed on January 24, 2025, in Kadıköy while he was shopping for skateboarding equipment. The attack, which was captured on security cameras, showed him being stabbed and subsequently beaten by his attackers, leading to a public outcry for justice and harsher penalties for juvenile offenders.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that five suspects had been apprehended for sending threatening messages to Mattia's family and for praising the murderers on social media. The suspects, identified as B.A., H.E.A., K.G., E.K., and A.S.D., include four juvenile offenders. They have been transferred to the Asayiş Şube Müdürlüğü for further investigation.
During the trial, the court extended the detention of the accused minors and postponed the next hearing to May 8, 2025, allowing time for further witness testimonies. The family of Mattia, who has been receiving death threats since the murder, attended the court under police protection, highlighting the ongoing threats they face.
Prior to the trial, a disturbing act of vandalism occurred at Mattia's grave in the Osmaniye cemetery, located in the Bahçelievler district. The grave was desecrated, with flowers and fencing damaged or destroyed. The Minguzzi family believes this act was intended to intimidate them ahead of the trial. Rezan Epözdemir, the family’s lawyer, stated, "We have received the message, loud and clear. But we are not afraid." He condemned the attack and called for additional protective measures during the trial.
The public reaction to Mattia's murder has been profound, with many calling for legal reforms to impose harsher sentences on minors convicted of serious crimes. The current legal framework allows for a maximum of 24 years imprisonment for the accused, but due to their ages, the sentences could be further reduced, which has caused additional outrage among the public. Many are demanding that the accused be tried as adults, particularly given the brutal nature of the crime.
In light of the threats against the Minguzzi family, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the vandalism of Mattia's grave, classifying it as a crime of "Damaging Cemeteries." This investigation is part of a broader concern regarding the safety of the family as they navigate the legal proceedings.
The trial has drawn significant media attention, with reports highlighting the emotional toll on Mattia's family. His mother, Yasemin Akıncılar Minguzzi, and father, Andrea Minguzzi, were present in court, visibly affected by the ongoing ordeal. The family had previously met with President Tayyip Erdoğan, who expressed his commitment to ensuring justice is served.
As the trial progresses, the Minguzzi family continues to advocate for justice, calling for the harshest penalties for the accused. They are determined to ensure that Mattia's death does not go unpunished and that the legal system addresses the growing concerns over juvenile crime in Turkey.
Public sentiment remains strong, with many citizens rallying behind the Minguzzi family and advocating for legal reforms. The case has ignited discussions about the need for a more robust legal framework to deal with violent crimes committed by minors, reflecting a broader societal concern about safety and justice.
As the next hearing approaches, the Minguzzi family remains vigilant, supported by their community and legal representatives. They are committed to seeing the trial through to the end, hoping for a verdict that will honor Mattia's memory and provide a sense of closure to their tragic loss.
