13.11.2026 19:11
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that 3 more unsolved murders have been solved. Stating that the files in Bursa and Bitlis have been clarified, Minister Gürlek said, "We are resolutely continuing our work to shed light on murders committed years ago, to find answers to the unanswered questions of the families left behind, and to ensure those responsible are held accountable before justice."
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that 3 unsolved murders committed years ago in Bursa and Bitlis have been solved. Minister Gürlek stated that as a result of the work carried out, the files in both provinces have been clarified.
MINISTER GÜRLEK: WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY MURDER TO BE COVERED UP
Making statements regarding the process, Gürlek stated that they are working determinedly to solve past murders. Gürlek used the following expressions in his statement: "We will not allow any murder to be covered up over time! We have removed 83 murders in 76 files from being unsolved!
We resolutely continue our work to shed light on murders committed years ago, to find answers to the unanswered questions of the families left behind, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable before justice.
"WE HAVE RE-EXAMINED THREE SEPARATE MURDER FILES"
For this purpose, under the coordination of our Department of Investigation of Unsolved Crimes within our Ministry, in cooperation with our Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices and law enforcement units, we have re-examined three separate murder files in Bursa and Bitlis that had remained unsolved for 14, 16 and 20 years.
Using developing technological opportunities, we evaluated DNA analyses, criminal investigation reports, HTS and base station records, and witness statements together. In line with the evidence obtained, we conducted operations against the suspects.
Bursa/Mustafakemalpaşa | Mehmet Arıcan – 16-Year Unsolved Case
In the file of Mehmet Arıcan, who was found shot dead with a hunting rifle in a forested area after disappearing in Mustafakemalpaşa in 2010, HTS records, financial investigations and new witness statements were re-evaluated. One of the suspects detained in the operation was arrested.
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION IN 4 PROVINCES
Bitlis/Tatvan | Unidentified Woman – 20-Year Unsolved Case
In the file of the woman found on the roadside in Tatvan in 2006 with a gunshot wound to the head, DNA samples, HTS records and witness statements were re-examined.
In simultaneous operations conducted in 4 provinces, 2 of the suspects detained were arrested, and a judicial control decision was issued for 2.
While efforts continue to issue an arrest warrant and a red notice for the fugitive suspect abroad, investigations continue to determine the identity of the victim.
11 SUSPECTS DETAINED
Bursa/Kestel | Mehmet Şahinoğlu – 14-Year Case
In the investigation into the murder of Mehmet Şahinoğlu, who disappeared in 2012, forensic medical examinations of burned human bones found in Kestel in 2015, dental records, communication data and witness statements were re-examined.
In line with the findings obtained, an operation was conducted against 12 suspects. 11 suspects were detained, and efforts continue to capture 1 fugitive suspect.
I thank our Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices in Mustafakemalpaşa, Tatvan and Bursa, which meticulously conducted the investigations; our Bursa Provincial Police Department; our Bursa, Tatvan and Mustafakemalpaşa Provincial-District Gendarmerie Commands, our JASAT teams and all public officials who contributed.
The passage of time cannot be a justification for crimes going unpunished. We will continue to follow up on the work carried out to shed light on murders committed in the past and to fulfill the responsibilities falling to us for the realization of justice."