A double-case scandal

Two different court cases for the same crime reaped two different results. For the duration of the case, not even the judges, prosecutors or suspects were aware there were two trials being held for the same crime.

On April 29^th, 2009 Necattin Atar and Salih Uguz stole a vehicle in Mamak, Ankara. After stealing the vehicles, they picked up two juveniles, U.Y. and E.E. and then went to a market where they proceeded to steal yoghurt. They were apprehended later instigated by an accident in the stolen car as they were trying to escape. 

TWO COURTS IN THE SAME BUILDING 

A court case was opened against Atar and Uguz in Ankara’s 28^th Court of First Instance. Meanwhile in the same building, unbeknownst, Ankara’s 18^th Court of First Instance also opened a case on the same charges.  

FIVE-MONTH VARIANCE BETWEEN TWO SENTENCES 

The two suspects, who did not have lawyers, participated in hearings in both courts. One court sentenced them to two years and three months, while the other court case resulted in a two year eight month sentence. In the meanwhile, one of the suspects has committed suicide. The revealing of the judicial inconsistency has left the legal world confused.