Justice Minister: Religious values cannot shield criminal activities

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has firmly stated that religious values and beliefs cannot be exploited as a shield for criminal activities. His comments came in response to an ongoing investigation into an alleged organization, referred to as the "Alihan Kuriş Criminal Organization," which is reportedly linked to the Süleymancılar community.

Gürlek emphasized that the Turkish state is resolute in its fight against criminal organizations and gangs, regardless of their affiliations or the guise under which they operate. He stressed that actions are being taken against groups that exploit citizens' faith and religious sentiments for illicit gains. The investigation into the Alihan Kuriş organization is presented as an example of this broader effort.

The minister clarified that the focus of the state's actions is on criminal acts and the structures involved, not on the identity of any particular faith, religious group, or community. He reiterated the government's dual commitment: to combat actions clearly defined as crimes by law and to safeguard the freedom of belief and worship for all citizens. This stance aims to draw a clear line between legitimate religious practice and criminal enterprise.

This statement follows a significant legal development where Ankara's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the detention of 32 suspects out of 38 taken into custody as part of the investigation. Six other suspects were placed under judicial control measures. Among those detained are reportedly the community's leader, Alihan Kuriş, and several other individuals named in the report.