Onur Obut, who was found to be primarily at fault in the motorbike accident in which Russian social media influencer Tatiana Ozolina lost her life, has been sentenced to 2 years and 11 months’ imprisonment by the Milas 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance. The verdict was announced during the trial held last week.

The court stated that Obut had committed the offence of “causing death by negligence” and initially set the sentence at 3 years and 6 months. Following the application of a reduction, the sentence was reduced to 2 years and 11 months.

The accident took place on the Söke–Milas road

The accident took place on the Söke–Milas road at around 17.30 on 21 July 2024. Tatiana Ozolina, a Russian national and motorcycling enthusiast, had entered Turkey during the second week of July as part of a round-the-world tour. Ozolina was accompanied on her journey by Onur Obut and Sergei Khadrikov.

As the three motorcyclists were travelling towards Milas, Khadrikov reportedly fell behind, so Obut and Ozolina slowed down to wait for their friends. At that moment, a collision occurred between the motorbike ridden by Ozolina, bearing the registration number 4898 AM 55, and the motorbike ridden by Obut, bearing the registration number 01 ATM 970.

Following the report, ambulance and police crews were dispatched to the scene. Upon examination by the crews, it was established that 38-year-old Ozolina had lost her life. Obut, aged 31, who was injured, was taken to hospital.

Obut, who was taken into custody following his treatment, stated in his statement that he had slowed down to wait for his friend who had fallen behind, and that Ozolina’s motorbike had struck him from behind, causing her to be thrown from her bike. Obut was released on bail following the completion of police procedures.

Forensic report found him primarily at fault

The forensic medical report, prepared following an examination of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, stated that Ozolina had braked because a lorry had pulled out in front of him. According to the report, Obut, who failed to maintain a safe following distance, collided with Ozolina’s motorbike from behind. It was recorded that Ozolina was not at fault, whilst Obut was found to be primarily at fault.

Claim regarding the helmet camera

Ali Şan, the lawyer representing Ozolina’s family, filed a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office on the grounds that driver İ.K., who had stopped after witnessing the accident, claimed to have handed Ozolina’s helmet camera to Obut. However, when questioned in court, İ.K. stated that he had not seen the camera and that his statement to the police had been misunderstood.

Following the criminal complaint filed by Mr Şan against İ.K., the public prosecutor’s office decided that there were no grounds for prosecution. Mr Şan stated that no footage from the alleged helmet camera had come to light.

Reasoned judgement awaited

Ali Şan, noting that the reasoned judgement had not yet been prepared, said, “The defendant was sentenced to two years and 11 months’ imprisonment. We are currently awaiting the preparation of the reasoned judgement. Once the reasoned judgement has been prepared, we will assess the situation together with the family and decide whether or not to appeal the ruling,” he said.

Referring also to the expert reports obtained during the trial, Şan said that all reports found Obut to be primarily at fault, whilst Ozolina was found to be blameless. Şan noted that they would determine their next course of action following the publication of the reasoned judgement.