21.04.2026 21:37
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that in the Gülistan Doku investigation, the process changed with a tip-off in 2025. Minister Gürlek stated that the secret witness described the location of the grave, that the murder weapon was also buried next to the body, and that the evidence matched the witness statements. Saying "In law, no regard is given to governors or politicians," Gürlek noted that a special team meticulously examined the file and that the aim was to ensure justice.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek made evaluations regarding the Gülistan Doku investigation during a live broadcast program he attended.
In one part of the broadcast, responding to the question "Why was action taken years later?", Minister Gürlek stated that a tip had come in, a secret witness had indicated the location of Doku's grave, and examinations conducted in the relevant area matched the evidence.
The section of Minister Gürlek's statements regarding the matter is as follows:
"A WEAPON OXIDIZES IN THE SOIL"
"Our Chief Public Prosecutor said there was movement in 2025. A tip comes in 2025. The secret witness is heard. There is new evidence. The evidence matches what the witness described. He indicated the grave location. Samples were taken from there as well. The weapon was also buried with it. A weapon oxidizes in the soil. When the evidence matches the witness's account, a report is prepared. During the investigation phase, there are also confessors. What the police officer said about the governor was also included in the file. There is something developing stage by stage. We issued a red notice along with Umut Altaş. He made statements to his brother and lawyer. But he needs to make statements personally.
"IN LAW, 'POLITICIANS, GOVERNORS, MUNICIPALITY MAYORS' ARE NOT CONSIDERED"
If our poor girl has a grave, our sole purpose is to uncover it. We also want the family to go and pray. That is our only wish. And for the criminals to receive their punishment. In law, 'politicians, governors, municipality mayors' are not considered. The prosecution did a meticulous job. A special team was also established. The evidence matches the secret witness's statement. There really was a corpse in the place the secret witness said. There is a perception that 'if there is no corpse, there is no murder'. There is no such thing. There are many rulings on this.
"THERE ARE 2 PIECES OF EVIDENCE..."
There are 2 pieces of evidence. There is the deletion of data by taking the SIM card from the family and sending it to the special cyber police, and the deletion of hospital records. Probably the charge would be tampering with evidence. We have our General Directorate of Penal Affairs. We formed a team. The investigation is conducted by the chief public prosecutor's office. The colleagues in this team look at the files with a different perspective. Of course, the relevant prosecutor's office conducting the investigation. We are not the investigating authority. We do not replace the prosecution and confirm decisions."
"IF EVIDENCE IN FAVOR OF THE DEFENDANT EMERGES IN FINALIZED FILES, A RETRIAL CAN BE CONDUCTED HERE"
Minister Gürlek also touched upon files like the Narin Güran case, where the court decision was made and the sentences against the suspects were finalized, but doubts in the public conscience could not be dispelled, saying:
"Now. Regarding the Narin case, it was finalized by the Court of Cassation. As you know, aggravated life imprisonment sentences were given there for the mother, uncle, and sibling. And also Nevzat Bahtiyar... Regarding Nevzat Bahtiyar, the Court of Cassation said the act here should be more severe, it overturned. It increased to 17.5 years. The court of first instance gave a 17.5-year sentence. Now, look, if new evidence emerges even in finalized files, I mean, evidence in favor of the defendant can always emerge. If evidence emerges in favor of the defendants you mentioned, a retrial can be conducted here. I mean, later evidence emerged, a voice recording or a witness came forward in some matter. The witness said, I lied in court. Or a document emerged, the falsity of this document was revealed. These are the grounds for retrial written in our Criminal Procedure Code. Here, of course, the court will evaluate this. So, regarding that matter you mentioned, the sentences given for the mother, uncle, and sibling have now been finalized by the Court of Cassation. However, if new evidence emerges, the court of first instance can issue a retrial decision here."