Somalia: The son of the Somali President sentenced in Turkey for the death of a motorcyclist

A Turkish court on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, handed down a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence, immediately commuted to a fine, to Mohammed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the son of the Somali President, for the death of a motorcycle courier.

The charge of «causing death by negligence» stemmed from an accident involving a diplomatic car driven by Mohamud that collided with Yunus Emre Gocer on a highway in Istanbul on November 30.

An arrest warrant had been issued against Mohamud after Gocer’s death six days later, but the president’s son had already left Turkey.

He returned last week to testify about the accident, leading to the revocation of the arrest warrant and travel ban.

The Istanbul court, despite Mohamud’s absence, found him guilty of death by negligence and fined him 27,300 Turkish liras (910 dollars), also revoking his driver’s license for six months. Prosecutors had initially sought a prison sentence of up to six years.

The decision to commute the sentence to a fine has drawn criticism from the victim’s father and a group advocating for the rights of motorized couriers.

The father’s lawyer stated that he is considering an appeal, while the association has questioned the fairness of justice in this case.

The motorcyclist’s death may strain relations between Turkey and Somalia.

Turkey has launched an investigation into those responsible for the initial accident inquiry and has been accused of allowing Mohamud’s release.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized respect for Turkish laws and the judicial system, stating that his son had not fled but instead advised him to appear in court.

Turkish authorities have established close ties with Somalia since 2011, providing humanitarian aid, building infrastructure, and opening a military base.

Stan K.