Court finds driver guilty of negligence in death of Russian tourist

The Milas 3rd Original Criminal Court handed down a verdict last week against Onur Obut, finding him guilty of causing death by negligence. The judge initially set the sentence at three years and six months before applying reductions that brought the final term down to two years and eleven months.

Court ruling on fatal collision

Obut was deemed primarily responsible for the accident that killed 38-year-old Russian citizen Tatiana Ozolina on July 21, 2024. Forensic reports indicated that Ozolina had applied her brakes due to a truck appearing ahead of her. Obut failed to maintain a safe following distance and struck the rear of her motorcycle.

The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on the Söke-Milas highway. Emergency services were dispatched after calls to the 112 Acil Çağrı Merkezi. Paramedics confirmed Ozolina’s death at the scene, while Obut sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Defense claims and forensic evidence

Following his release from the hospital, police detained Obut. In his statement, he claimed long-standing acquaintance with Ozolina and Sergei Khadrikov through social media. He asserted he had invited them to tour Turkey, starting their journey in Istanbul.

Obut stated that as they entered Milas district boundaries, he slowed down because Khadrikov fell behind. He alleged that Ozolina, riding behind him, collided with his motorcycle and was thrown off. After judicial procedures, he was released under judicial control pending trial.

Security camera footage and witness testimonies informed the forensic analysis. Experts concluded that Ozolina bore no fault in the crash. All expert reports consistently identified Obut as the party with primary liability.

Missing helmet camera controversy

Ali Şan, attorney for the victim’s family, highlighted the absence of critical video evidence. A driver named İ.K., who witnessed the accident, initially told police he had handed over Ozolina’s helmet camera to Obut. This testimony prompted a formal application to the prosecutor’s office.

However, when İ.K. appeared in court, he retracted his earlier statement. He claimed he never saw the camera and that his initial police report was misunderstood. Şan filed a criminal complaint against the witness, but prosecutors decided not to pursue charges.

Şan noted that despite the missing footage, the conviction stands. "The defendant received a sentence of two years and eleven months," Şan said. "We are currently awaiting the reasoned decision. Once it is prepared, we will evaluate our next steps with the family."

The lawyer emphasized that Obut persistently refused to admit fault or express remorse throughout the proceedings. He also rejected any offer to compensate the family for material and moral damages.