A court in Ankara has announced a verdict in the 2016 murder of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, RIA Novosti reports.

Five of the 28 accused were acquitted. Nine people received from five to 15 years in prison. Five more defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment. Nine of the accused are still on the wanted list.

The defense intends to appeal the sentences, the procedure may drag on for a period of three to five years.

Andrei Karlov was shot dead on December 19, 2016 at the opening of the photo exhibition in Ankara. According to Turkish authorities, the ambassador was attacked by a police officer, who was eliminated by the security forces.

Charges were brought against 28 suspects, including Islamic preacher Fetullah Gulen. He denies all charges. According to the indictment, Karlov's murder is a provocation aimed at damaging Turkish-Russian relations.