Notable 'Süleymancılar' statement from Bülent Arınç: The presumption of innocence is being violated

27.08.2026 17:50

Former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Bülent Arınç argued that the presumption of innocence and the principle of confidentiality of the investigation were violated in the investigation targeting the leader of the Süleymanis, Alihan Kuriş, stating, "Unfortunately, as a result of this process, individuals are being executed on social media. In the written and visual media, people who have no connection or knowledge of the matter are passing judgment, and distorted statements are being made with certain images about individuals' assets or what they do."

Former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Bülent Arınç made striking statements regarding the investigation conducted against Alihan Kuriş, the leader of the Süleymanlılar Community, known in the public eye as "Süleymancılar." Arınç evaluated the procedure of the investigation and the allegations reflected in the press and social media, arguing that the right to a fair trial and the confidentiality of the investigation have been violated.

"I TRUST THE STATEMENTS OF THE MINISTERS"

Recalling the statements of the Ministers of Justice and Interior regarding the scope of the investigation, Arınç stated that he believed in the sincerity of these statements and used the following expressions:

"I want to say a few things about the investigation that is said to be related to the Süleymanlılar Community, known among the public as Süleymancılar. Our Minister of Justice and our Minister of Interior have said that this investigation is not directed at the community or a religious order, but that an investigation is being conducted based on the claim that ordinary crimes were committed by individuals. I trust these statements. I believe that our esteemed ministers are sincere and careful in these statements."

"PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE AND CONFIDENTIALITY ARE BEING VIOLATED"

Drawing attention to serious violations of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) in practice despite the ministers' statements, Arınç reacted to the trial by media in the public opinion:

"However, during the ongoing investigation phase, there are very clear violations of the rules of the Criminal Procedure Code. As a result of these violations, the presumption of innocence appears to have been eliminated. As you know, the confidentiality of the investigation is essential. The CMK requires this. Before moving to the prosecution phase, that is, before the indictment is prepared and prosecution begins, and before the indictment is accepted by the court, it is necessary to act in accordance with the confidentiality ban. Because the presumption of innocence is fundamental; individuals are presumed innocent until a verdict is rendered against them. As a result of this process, unfortunately, individuals are being executed on social media. In the written and visual press, people who have no connection or knowledge of the subject are passing judgment, and distorted statements are being made with certain images about individuals' assets or what they do."

"INSTEAD OF STARTING FROM EVIDENCE, THEY MAKE ACCUSATIONS AND SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE"

Addressing the balance between press freedom and the right to a fair trial, Arınç criticized the flaws in the investigation method:

"Of course, press freedom is essential. The public also has the right to receive information, but a fair trial, a fair investigation, and prosecution are also fundamental rights for people. Today, just as it is correct to start from evidence to target a person, it is extremely wrong to make certain accusations and then search for evidence based on them. Until today, this issue may have been overlooked in some investigations."

"COMMUNITIES ARE SOCIOLOGICAL STRUCTURES, THE CHORUS CALLING FOR THEIR 'CLOSURE' IS WRONG"

Reacting to circles opposing communities and religious orders using the investigation as an opportunity, Arınç emphasized the sociological existence of communities, giving the example of Muammer Aksoy:

"I want to draw attention to one thing here. When it comes to the Süleymancılar, a group of people with a certain 'CHP mentality' harboring hatred and malice have started speaking in a chorus, saying 'Communities and religious orders should be closed.' This is very wrong. It is so wrong because communities and religious orders are sociological structures. It is the same all over the world. Moreover, in Turkey, communities and religious orders have always existed. Muammer Aksoy was also the lawyer of Kemal Kaçar, the leader of the community that was tried after September 12. Everyone was surprised by this. Muammer Aksoy had said, 'I know them closely. I went to their dormitories and Quran courses. They do nothing other than teaching Islam and the Quran. I believe they are innocent.' If the ideas of this person, who was the chairman of the Atatürkist Thought Association, are to be accepted by some, let us also remember the late Aksoy in this respect."

"THE PROCESS THAT HAS REACHED THE FETHIKABIR STAGE IS BEING CONDUCTED CARELESSLY"

Continuing his criticism of the uninformed approaches in the course of the investigation, Arınç touched upon the wearing aspect of judicial processes:

"To return to the investigation, the process is continuing so carelessly that people are being irreversibly stigmatized. Unfortunately, things have reached the point of exhumation. After the exhumation, people who have no knowledge of law or forensic medicine are trying to find new criminals."

"THEY WERE TRULY PEOPLE WHO SERVED THE QURAN"

Stating that he has known the community for a long time and has established friendly relations, Arınç described the role of the structure in the historical process:

"I have known this formation for a long time. I also met Kemal Kaçar during my years at the Faculty of Law. However, I was not a member of the community. I know that under the leadership of Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan from Silistre, starting from the periods when reading and teaching the Quran was forbidden, they provided Quran education and instruction in Turkey under the name of Quran courses, and I believe in them. I have had friendly relations with them in all the cities I have been in and everywhere I have gone. Because they were truly people who served the Quran. I know that the hostility towards imam hatip schools has also weakened over time. I became a member of parliament in the same year as the late Ahmet Arif Denizolgun. We would occasionally mention our friendships in Alanya, but I might want to explain this separately on a live broadcast."

"THE FIGHT TURNED INTO A PROPERTY DISPUTE BETWEEN COUSINS"

Explaining the reason for the widening distance between the AK Party and the community and the rifts within the community, Arınç stated that they are not parties to the legal processes:

"During the 2011 elections, with the knowledge of our Chairman, I had private meetings with him three or four times. I could not secure support for the AK Party from him, but we had the opportunity to discuss many issues openly. The widening of the distance between us and the Süleymancılar happened when one of two brothers came to the AK Party and became a member of parliament, while the other opposed this. Years passed, and this time the fight turned into a property dispute between cousins. We cannot take sides in these matters. But if they have actions clearly contrary to law and legislation, undoubtedly our judges and prosecutors will file their cases, and individuals will be tried."

CALL TO JUDICIAL OFFICIALS: "PROTECT THOSE WITH OBJECTIONABLE NAMES"

Calling for the protection of innocent individuals mentioned in the investigation, Bülent Arınç addressed the judiciary and law enforcement with the following words:

"However, there are such clean and excellent people whose names are mentioned in this investigation that I even find it objectionable for their names to be mentioned in any way for their own sake. Therefore, I insist, please, our prosecutors, our law enforcement officers, our judges, please act very meticulously regarding the confidentiality of the investigation. Do what the law requires, and let us all greet the outcome with applause."

"WHETHER YOU SUPPORT THE AK PARTY OR NOT, IF THERE IS A CRIME, IT WILL BE PURSUED"

Also candidly answering the frequently asked question, "If this community had supported the AK Party, would such an operation have occurred?", Arınç emphasized that the principles of justice should be independent of political preferences:

"There is a question I am asked today."