Alham Albashir, a Syrian woman, was sentenced to life in prison by a Turkish court for her role in a deadly explosion in Istanbul in 2022. She received seven consecutive life sentences after being convicted on terrorism charges related to the explosion that occurred on Nov. 13, 2022, on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul. Six people, including two children, were killed in the blast, which also left 99 others wounded.
The court’s decision comes after an indictment prepared by Istanbul prosecutors last year, which detailed Albashir’s involvement in the incident. According to the indictment, Albashir and a man named Bilal el-Hacmaus were intelligence operatives of the YPG, a Syrian Kurdish militia group, and its political branch, the PYD. They were trained by the YPG and PYD and sent to Turkey with explosives, using a network established by the organization. El-Hacmaus managed to flee the country, but Albashir was arrested and put on trial for her role in the bombing.
Turkey regards the YPG as the Syrian arm of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been engaged in a violent insurgency within Turkey for decades in an effort to establish an autonomous region in southeastern Turkey. The conflict between the PKK and Turkey has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since the 1980s, with Turkey and its Western allies designating the PKK as a terrorist organization. Albashir’s conviction and sentencing are seen as part of Turkey’s efforts to combat terrorism and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The explosion on Istiklal Avenue sent shockwaves through Istanbul, a bustling city that has been the target of various terrorist attacks in recent years. Alham Albashir’s role in the deadly bombing and her subsequent sentencing highlight the ongoing threat of terrorism faced by Turkey and other countries in the region. The attack claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including children, and left many others injured, underscoring the devastating impact of such acts of violence on communities and societies.
As Albashir begins her life sentence in a Turkish prison, the justice system in Turkey continues to work to bring those responsible for terrorist acts to account. The prosecution and sentencing of individuals like Albashir send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions. Turkey remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, as well as working with international partners to address the global threat posed by terrorism.
Despite the challenges posed by terrorist organizations like the PKK and its affiliates, Turkey continues to work towards peace, security, and stability in the region. The sentencing of Alham Albashir is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of terrorism and prevent future attacks from occurring. By holding individuals accountable for their involvement in terrorist activities, Turkey aims to deter others from engaging in similar actions and to send a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated in the country or the region. The fight against terrorism remains a top priority for Turkey and its partners as they work together to address this complex and ongoing threat.
