Europe

Turkey seeks 40 separate life terms for nightclub attacker

Associated Press
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FILE-In this Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 file photo, a Turkish special security force member patrols near the scene of the Reina night club following the New Year's day attack, in Istanbul. Turkey's state-run news agency said on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, prosecutors in Istanbul are demanding 40 consecutive life sentences for the man who attacked the nightclub, killing 39 people. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE-In this Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 file photo, Abdulkadir Masharipov, an Uzbek citizen, suspected of the New Year's day attack at a nightclub, is pictured following his arrest in Istanbul. Turkey's state-run news agency said on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, prosecutors in Istanbul are demanding 40 consecutive life sentences for the man who attacked the nightclub, killing 39 people. Masharipov, was caught on Jan. 16 after evading police for more than two weeks. (AP Photo/File) (The Associated Press)

FILE-In this early Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 file photo, Medics carry a wounded person at the scene after an attack at a popular nightclub in Istanbul. Turkey's state-run news agency said on tuesday, May 9, 2017, prosecutors in Istanbul are demanding 40 consecutive life sentences for the man who attacked the nightclub, killing 39 people. (IHA via AP, File) (The Associated Press)

Turkey's state-run news agency says prosecutors in Istanbul are demanding 40 consecutive life sentences for the man who attacked a nightclub in Istanbul during New Year's celebrations, killing 39 people.

Abdulkadir Masharipov, an Uzbek citizen, was caught on Jan. 16 after evading police for more than two weeks. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Anadolu Agency said Tuesday that prosecutors want separate life sentences on charges of attempting to overturn Turkey's constitutional order as well as for each of the 39 victims. Masharipov also faces separate charges for membership in a terror group, the attempted murder of 79 people wounded in the attack and other charges.

The indictment needs to be approved by a court before a trial begins.