Driver with drugs in blood released following fatal crash
The investigation into the traffic accident that occurred in Famagusta on October 3 near the potato warehouses, resulting in the death of Raif Mavideniz, has been completed. The suspect H.D., who was arrested in connection with the accident, will await trial on charges of “causing death by negligence” and “dangerous driving.”
Testifying in court, Police Sergeant Nurettin Enginer from the Famagusta Traffic Branch announced that some of the expert reports have been completed. Enginer stated that drug analyses detected cocaine in the blood of suspect H.D., and cannabis in the blood of the deceased Raif Mavideniz.
CAMERA FOOTAGE DELETED ONE HOUR AFTER THE CRASH
Another striking detail in the investigation involved security cameras. Police Sergeant Enginer informed the court that the camera footage at suspect H.D.’s house was deleted approximately one hour after the accident.
Stating that numerous statements had been taken regarding the incident and a re-enactment was performed at the scene, Enginer noted that charges would be read to the suspect following the evaluation of the Attorney General’s Office.
POLICE SOUGHT 3 MONTHS IN PRISON, DEFENSE REQUESTED RELEASE
Stating that they had received intelligence that H.D., who has been in custody since October 3, could flee to South Cyprus, the police requested that the suspect be held in prison for three months until the charges are read and the trial process begins.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s lawyer, Batur Sağlamer, objected to the request for custody during trial and demanded a hearing. Arguing that claims regarding his client’s risk of flight were groundless and baseless, Sağlamer had H.D. testify on the witness stand.
H.D.: “IF I WANTED TO FLEE, I WOULD HAVE FLED”
Taking the floor in court, H.D. said that he and Raif Mavideniz were like brothers. Stating that family elders came to the scene on the day of the accident and that he went into shock due to the events, H.D. explained that he went home for this reason.
The suspect was unable to control his tears while stating that he learned on the phone that Mavideniz had lost his life.
Arguing that there was no possibility of flight, H.D. said, “If I wanted to flee, I would have fled, I am right by the border.” The suspect also told the court that he owned a vehicle worth 100,000 GBP and had the financial means to cover cash bail if granted.
During his cross-examination of the suspect, Prosecutor Hüseyin Eser drew attention to his close relationship with Mavideniz, asking, “Even an animal you would pick up and take to the hospital. Since he was like your brother, why didn’t you stay with him instead of going home?”
H.D. reiterated his statement that he went into shock, defending that he did not flee the scene and left only after the family elders arrived.
Defense lawyer Sağlamer also had numerous guarantors testify in court, arguing that his client would under no circumstances flee the island.
COURT ISSUES 4.3 MILLION TL BAIL DECISION
Judge Semra Kaymaklılı prohibited the suspect from leaving the country. The court ordered H.D. to be released pending trial on condition that he deposit 300,000 TL in cash bail and that two TRNC citizens sign guarantee bonds of 2 million TL each.
Thus, suspect H.D. in the accident where Raif Mavideniz lost his life was released to be tried without detention, subject to total bail conditions of 4 million 300 thousand TL and a travel ban.
