Turkey’s Supreme Court has upheld the 30-year prison sentences of two seafarers from the bulk carrier Phoenician M, a decision that has raised concern across the maritime industry and among seafarer welfare organisations.
The ruling confirmed the convictions of Captain Marko Bekavac and Chief Officer Ali Albokhari, who were found guilty of negligence after drugs were discovered in the vessel’s cargo holds in 2023.
The decision has raised concern because no direct evidence was found linking any crew member to the drugs.
Turkey’s Supreme Court in Ankara confirmed the convictions by a three-to-two vote, maintaining the 30-year negligence sentences previously imposed on the two officers.
Captain Bekavac was released in August 2025, but Chief Officer Albokhari remains in prison despite being convicted under the same allegations.
Authorities found illegal drugs in the cargo holds of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Phoenician M in Turkey in 2023.
Investigations reportedly found no evidence linking any member of the crew to the narcotics, and all other crew members detained during the case were later released.
Ali Albokhari’s wife, Elena Albokhari, said she learned about the Supreme Court decision on the day it was issued and described the ruling as devastating.
She said the court documents still do not clearly explain what her husband is specifically accused of or how he is considered responsible for the drugs found in the cargo.
According to her statements, official documents repeatedly indicate that no direct evidence has been found against him. She said she continues to struggle to explain the situation to her husband.
