Turkey's Supreme Court upholds 30-year sentences for Capt Bekavac and Chief Officer Albokhari, raising concerns over maritime justice.
Turkey's Supreme Court has upheld 30-year sentences against Capt Marko Bekavac and Chief Officer Ali Albokhari for negligence. However, the master was released last year, while his crewmate remains in prison, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
The court voted three to two to confirm the convictions, despite releasing Capt Bekavac in August 2025 under unclear circumstances, without papers or a passport. Chief Officer Albokhari remains jailed, prompting his wife, Elena, to express her devastation and lack of clarity regarding the accusations against her husband.
The Finnish Foreign Office stated that it is in contact with Albokhari's spouse and continues to press Turkish authorities for details of the conviction. Officials admitted they have not received clarification despite repeated requests since last August.
The case has raised wider concerns in the maritime industry, with at least two other crew members arrested in Turkey over the past year. Observers say the court must explain why the Captain was freed while the Chief Officer remains imprisoned.
Croatian press reports allege that Capt Bekavac's release may have been linked to the case of Mustafa Yigit Zeren, chairman of the Zeren Group, who was arrested in Croatia but later freed. The circumstances surrounding both releases remain shrouded in mystery.
