17.08.2026 11:20
Following the arrest of the leader of the Süleymancılar, Alihan Kuriş, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, without naming them, stated that the Süleymancılar were not being targeted, saying, "The fundamental criterion here is not the identity of any belief, religious structure, or community; it is the criminal acts and the structures connected to these acts. Faith and religious values can in no way be turned into a tool or shield for criminal activities."
Following the arrest of Alihan Kuris, the leader of the Süleymancılar community, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek made significant statements regarding the nature of the operation.
"FOCUS IS ON THE CRIME, NOT THE IDENTITY"
Stating that the Republic of Türkiye continues its fight against criminal organizations and gangs within the framework of the rule of law, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek emphasized that this struggle is carried out decisively, regardless of the identity of individuals or groups or the guise they adopt. Gürlek stated that the main criterion in the operations is not a religious identity, noting that faith and religious values can never be turned into a tool or shield for criminal activities.
"STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN AGAINST THOSE WHO EXPLOIT RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS"
Minister Gürlek emphasized that the state does not remain indifferent to structures that exploit citizens' beliefs and religious sentiments for illicit gains, and underlined the fight against criminal formations with the following words:
"The main criterion here is not the identity of any belief, religious structure, or community, but the criminal acts and the structures associated with these acts. The Alihan Kuris Criminal Organization is one of the examples of the struggle carried out within this scope."
EMPHASIS ON FREEDOM OF FAITH AND WORSHIP
Drawing attention to the state's determination in combating acts that the law clearly defines as crimes, Gürlek reminded that this determination is solely directed at criminal elements. Minister Gürlek informed the public by stating that while judicial processes and operations continue, the state also maintains the same sensitivity and assurance in protecting citizens' freedom of faith and worship.