Türkiye sentences three to life over murder of 8-year-old girl

A Turkish court sentenced three family members to life in prison on Saturday for the murder of eight-year-old Narin Guran, whose body was found in a river in Diyarbakir after she went missing for 19 days.

Narin’s mother, elder brother, and uncle received aggravated life sentences for "deliberate murder in collaboration." Another suspect, Nevzat Bahtiyar, who admitted to hiding the body, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison—a ruling lawyers vowed to appeal.

The case drew national attention after Narin disappeared on August 21, sparking widespread searches and a “Find Narin” social media campaign. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised justice, calling for the harshest punishment.

Prosecutors accused Narin’s uncle, a local administrator, of misleading authorities during the search. No motive for the murder was disclosed.

In court, Narin’s mother denied the charges, tearfully saying, “They didn’t let my daughter wear a wedding dress—they put her in a shroud.”