A Turkish court has sentenced an 18-year-old Russian girl to 15 years in prison for abandoning her newborn in an airport bathroom, Russian state media reported Monday.
Yekaterina Burnashkina and her 47-year-old mother, Yelena, were arrested on October 13, 2024, at Antalya Airport after cleaning staff discovered the newborn girl in a restroom toilet bowl. According to court documents, the infant’s leg was trapped in the drain before being rescued and placed in an orphanage.
Attempted Murder Conviction
Antalya’s Fourth High Criminal Court found Burnashkina guilty of attempted murder of a close relative, according to the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.
Last week, a separate court acquitted Yelena Burnashkina of all charges, allowing her to return to Russia.
Legal and Diplomatic Response
Russia’s Consul General in Antalya, Sergei Vetrik, previously stated that efforts were underway to repatriate Burnashkina, though the consulate has yet to comment on her sentencing.
Burnashkina’s lawyer maintains that her client had no criminal intent and plans to appeal the conviction. However, she noted that Burnashkina is unlikely to be extradited to Russia.
