Although the criminal case against those responsible for the murders of the "Malatya Three" in Turkey (Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel and Tilmann Geske) is still ongoing, there has been a positive development in the case brought by the relatives of the three victims against the Ministry of Interior and the Malatya Governor's Office.
Five killers, but perhaps many backers
The murders of the three Christians were gruesome and bestial. It happened at the office of the Christian publishing house Zirve in Malatya on April 18, 2007. Five young men were arrested at the scene, but they were likely acting on behalf of others who are also charged with complicity and it is also believed that the Turkish authorities had intelligence that could have been used to prevent the murders.
Read: Remember the murders of three Christians in Turkey in 2007?
Court: The authorities have shown negligence towards the relatives
Turkish Christians welcome a ruling by the Malatya Administrative Court. The ruling states that both the Turkish Ministry of Interior and the Malatya Governor's Office were negligent in their duty to the relatives and must pay compensation. German missionary Tilmann Geske's widow, Susanne, and his surviving children were awarded compensation equivalent to approximately 700,000 kroner, and Necati Aydin's widow Semsa and Ugur Yuksel's father were also awarded compensation. The amounts awarded to them have not been disclosed, but the total compensation amounts to approximately DKK 2.5 million. Susanne Geske has said that money cannot replace the loss she has suffered, but that she is of course grateful that the court has recognized it. However, if the decision is appealed by the authorities, the compensation may end up being smaller and the payment may be delayed.
Read: Slaughter of three martyrs remembered in Malatya remembered in Turkey
The case has been going on for almost nine years
The many delays in the case, including witnesses missing court hearings without a valid reason and without being charged with contempt of court, have frustrated Turkish Christians, especially as the defendants accused of the murders have been spared jail time - although they will have to wear electronic shackles. There are a total of 21 defendants in the case, in which 109 court hearings have already been held. In 2015, the public prosecutor in the case was replaced four times. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 1st this year.
Relatives: Keep praying!
Therefore, the relatives ask for constant prayer that they may know God's protection and Jesus' peace in their hearts, that those responsible for the murders may be judged justly and that they may have true recognition of their wrongdoing, but also that they may know Jesus' forgiveness, that Christians may promote justice, and that all judges, other government officials, lawyers and journalists involved in the case may hear the Gospel of Jesus and be drawn to the Father's love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Source: Middle East Concern & Morning Star News
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