Minister Gürlek on Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Statement: Investigation Will Go to the End
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 29 suspects are being investigated in connection with the 2009 helicopter crash that killed Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu.
- The investigation is examining links to the FETÖ organization, including its clandestine structures and connections to key figures like Adil Öksüz.
- Gürlek affirmed that the state will pursue the investigation to its conclusion within the bounds of the law.
Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek has stated that the investigation into the 2009 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu, the former leader of the Grand Unity Party (BBP), and his entourage is progressing with 29 suspects facing proceedings. Gürlek emphasized the state's commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of where the investigation leads.
In a social media post, Gürlek detailed that the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting a comprehensive inquiry. So far, 27 suspects have been detained, with 19 subsequently arrested and 8 placed under judicial control. Two other suspects are already imprisoned. The investigation is meticulously examining potential links to the FETÖ organization, including its covert networks, connections to key figures involved in the 2016 coup attempt like Adil Öksüz, and the use of the ByLock messaging application. Many suspects have prior records related to FETÖ.
Wherever the investigation leads, our state will go to the end within the law. No doubt will be left unanswered, and no organized structure will be allowed to impede our nation's expectation of justice.
"This case is not just about a tragic event from the past, but also about investigating the dark traces of FETÖ, which attempts to obscure the truth by infiltrating the state's capillaries," Gürlek stated. He assured the public that judicial authorities are resolutely working to establish the material facts within the legal framework and based on evidence. "I want to state this specifically: wherever the investigation leads, our state will go to the end within the law. No doubt will be left unanswered, and no organized structure will be allowed to impede our nation's expectation of justice," he added. Gürlek expressed his gratitude to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ankara Provincial Police Department, and all public officials involved in the investigation. He concluded by commemorating Yazıcıoğlu and the other victims, promising that the process will be diligently followed to fully illuminate all aspects of the incident for the public.
This case is not just about a tragic event from the past, but also about investigating the dark traces of FETÖ, which attempts to obscure the truth by infiltrating the state's capillaries.
Originally published by Sabah in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.