18.06.2026 11:21
12 lawyers, including Denizli Bar Association President Ufuk Kök, who were detained in a drug operation organized by the gendarmerie in Denizli, were released after their statements were completed.
An operation was carried out yesterday morning as part of an investigation by the Denizli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into charges of drug use and procuring premises. Simultaneous searches were conducted by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams at the administrative building of the Denizli Bar Association and at the homes and offices of the suspected lawyers. A total of 12 lawyers, including Denizli Bar Association President Ufuk Kök, were detained in the operation.
BLOOD AND URINE SAMPLES TAKEN
The lawyers were taken to the Denizli Group Presidency of the Forensic Medicine Institute for technical evidence collection and biological sampling, where blood and urine samples were taken. After their statements were completed, they were released by order of the prosecutor's office. It was reported that the investigation into the matter continues.
BAR ASSOCIATION REACTS TO OPERATION
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by the Denizli Bar Association regarding the operation, it said: "Within the scope of an investigation conducted by the Denizli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention procedures were applied to our Bar Association President along with many of our colleagues; searches were carried out at the lawyers' residences and offices, and additionally, a search was conducted at the Denizli Bar Association President's office. First of all, we would like to state that in a state of law, no one is immune from investigation. Lawyers, like all other citizens, are subject to legal scrutiny. However, in a system where the rule of law prevails, it is mandatory for investigative authorities to act in accordance with the law and to respect fundamental rights and freedoms in their proceedings. However, the process experienced today contains serious legal and institutional problems that cannot be considered merely as a judicial investigation. Regardless of the content of the investigation, we will not remain silent about targeting lawyers, the bar institution, and the presidential office in the public eye, turning investigation processes into media operations, and undermining the presumption of innocence."