19.05.2026 07:10
In Tunceli's Nazımiye district, 3 of the 4 suspects detained in the investigation into the destruction of the marks known as 'footprints' at the Düzgün Baba Ziyaretgahı, considered one of the region's important faith centers, by excavation were arrested.
In the Nazımiye district of Tunceli, 4 suspects were detained in the investigation into the excavation and destruction of the marks known as 'footprints' at the Düzgün Baba Shrine, considered one of the region's important faith centers. Among them, 3 individuals, including village headman Zeki Açıkgöz, were arrested.
4 SUSPECTS WERE DETAINED
Destruction occurred in the areas considered sacred by citizens and known as 'footprints' at the Düzgün Baba Shrine in the Nazımiye district. Following complaints, a judicial and administrative investigation was launched by the Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, coordinated with the Provincial Gendarmerie Command's KOM and Intelligence branch teams. During the inspections and investigations, 4 suspects, including Çevrecik village headman Zeki Açıkgöz, were detained for allegedly causing damage to the shrine through unauthorized excavations. It was reported that in searches of the suspects' addresses, digital materials were examined, and various material images evaluated under the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets No. 2863, as well as ammunition and some historical objects, were seized.
HEADMAN REMOVED FROM DUTY
After procedures at the gendarmerie, the suspects were referred to the courthouse. Among them, 3 individuals, including headman Zeki Açıkgöz, were arrested by the Nazımiye Criminal Court of Peace for 'violation of the Law on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets' and 'damaging places of worship', while 1 person was released under judicial control.
It was also learned that Zeki Açıkgöz was removed from duty by the Tunceli Governorship.