02.04.2026 00:17
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek hosted his Dutch counterpart David Van Weel. Minister Gürlek stated, "We are requesting the extradition of Musa Aşoğlu, the leader of the DHKP-C terrorist organization who ordered the attack on Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz," and noted that there are 217 extradition requests from the FETÖ terrorist organization and 8 from the PKK terrorist organization.
(ANKARA) - Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek met with Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David Van Weel. Stating that "We demand the extradition of DHKP-C terrorist organization leader Musa Aşoğlu, who gave the order for the attack on Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz," Minister Gürlek noted that there are 217 extradition requests from the FETÖ terrorist organization and 8 from the PKK terrorist organization.
AKIN GÜRLEK HOSTED HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek came together with Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David Van Weel. According to a statement from the ministry, Minister Gürlek and Minister Van Weel met at the Ministry of Justice. Gürlek expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to further developing the existing cooperation between Turkey and the Netherlands, particularly in areas within their jurisdiction, and strengthen mutual cooperation and dialogue.
Stating that the relations between the two countries date back many years, Gürlek emphasized the significant role of the Turkish community of approximately 500,000 in the Netherlands in strengthening and developing these relations. Reminding that the Netherlands is Turkey's NATO ally, Gürlek said, "In an environment where global and regional risks are increasing, we attach importance to developing dialogue and cooperation with our ally, the Netherlands."
Recalling that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with former Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof during the NATO Summit held in The Hague last year, Gürlek noted that important decisions guiding NATO are expected to be made at the summit to be hosted by Turkey this year.
Minister Gürlek pointed out that cooperation in the field of justice and bilateral relations constitutes an important dimension, stating, "We particularly value mutual cooperation between the two countries in judicial matters, especially in issues such as organized crime, combating organized crime, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering. Cooperation between judicial authorities will also strengthen cooperation between countries and will undertake an important role in terms of the effectiveness of international justice."
Recalling that 251 people were martyred during the treacherous coup attempt of FETÖ (Fetullah Terrorist Organization) on July 15, Minister Gürlek stated:
"In this context, our ministry has conveyed our requests for judicial assistance to your ministry and competent authorities due to the judicial processes carried out. However, unfortunately, some problems have arisen regarding the fulfillment of these requests. Our country's resolute struggle against the FETÖ terrorist organization, which targets the constitutional order and usurps the national will, continues. In this context, we hope that the Dutch authorities, whom we see as a friendly and allied country, will assist us, especially in terms of judicial assistance and the extradition of criminals."
"WE HAVE 2127 EXTRADITION REQUESTS FROM FETÖ AND 8 FROM PKK"
Explaining that Turkey has been fighting against the PKK terrorist organization for over 40 years, Gürlek emphasized that it is also recognized as a terrorist organization by the European Union.
"Unfortunately, we see that our extradition requests have not been positively resolved, as is the case with the PKK terrorist organization, just like with FETÖ," Gürlek conveyed, continuing:
"Currently, we have 217 extradition requests from the FETÖ terrorist organization and 8 from the PKK terrorist organization. Since we see the Netherlands as an allied country, we request the extradition of these criminals within the framework of judicial cooperation. Additionally, we request that no asylum or residency rights be granted to members of both terrorist organizations in the Netherlands, and that those who have been granted such rights be re-evaluated."
"WE DEMAND THE EXTRADITION OF MUSA AŞOĞLU FROM THE NETHERLANDS"
Recalling that yesterday marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, Gürlek stated, "As you know, I was appointed as Minister of Justice after serving as a prosecutor. Our colleague, Public Prosecutor, was first taken hostage by a member of the DHKP-C terrorist organization and then brutally murdered."
Minister Gürlek informed that the trial of DHKP-C terrorist organization leader Musa Aşoğlu, who gave the order for this despicable attack, is ongoing at the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court.
Gürlek stated, "We also demand the extradition of this terrorist organization leader Musa Aşoğlu from the Netherlands as a result of the ongoing trial. Unfortunately, no positive steps have been taken in this regard so far. We sincerely believe that the requests and important sensitivities we have expressed will be met by the Dutch authorities."
EMPHASIS ON COOPERATION IN FIGHTING INTERNATIONAL CRIMES
In addition to the fight against terrorism, Minister Gürlek stated that there are extradition agreements with many countries within the framework of judicial assistance in combating other international crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking.
"Thanks to the simultaneous 'Cloud Operation' conducted between the Netherlands and Turkey last April, drug traffickers were caught, and evidence along with their illicit gains was seized. In this context, we expect the extradition requests for those identified as being in the Netherlands and against whom arrest warrants have been issued for drug trafficking offenses to be fulfilled."
Stating that the presence of the Turkish community in the Netherlands and the safety and peace of its citizens are of particular importance, Gürlek expressed that they are closely monitoring the increasing trends of racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, especially in Western Europe.
Gürlek noted that they have observed an increasing number of such threats recently, emphasizing that they were saddened to learn that two Muslim women were subjected to police violence in the Netherlands at the end of January.
He expressed their belief that necessary measures should be taken against such incidents. Sharing the opinion that today's meeting would further advance cooperation, Minister Gürlek wished for the sincerity and brotherhood between the allied country of the Netherlands and Turkey to progress even further.