21.04.2025 09:30
Former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu reacted strongly to the claims of Cemil Önal, who fled abroad following the death of casino operator Halil Falyalı in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC). Soylu stated, "Anyone who spreads, propagates, or slanders these accusations is dishonorable. Do not confuse us with yourselves. If we cannot show courage against killer crime syndicates... Woe to our manhood, woe to our integrity!"
?The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement last night following the news about Halil Falyalı and Özge Falyalı in the media of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. After the death of casino operator Halil Falyalı in the TRNC, a strong denial message came this morning from Süleyman Soylu regarding the claims of Cemil Önal, who allegedly managed Falyalı's financial affairs and fled abroad.
Soylu stated, "To the Dishonorable: In this country, there has been someone who has served his state and nation with honor; who has fought against terrorism, drugs, virtual gambling, and every kind of criminal network extending from America to England without fear throughout his term. The 'slanderous and defamatory' level of vile rumors that are systematically spread with the intent to defame this person is an act of revenge by those who cannot digest this struggle. Anyone who spreads, disseminates, or defames these slanders is dishonorable. Do not confuse us with yourselves. If we cannot show courage against dishonorable, thieving, immoral, and murderous criminal networks… Woe to our manhood, woe to our integrity!"
"SLANDERS ARE CONSTANTLY REPEATED"
Soylu stated that the murder committed in the TRNC was clarified in a short time in cooperation with all state institutions and TRNC authorities. He expressed that the number one suspect of the murder has fled to another country and a red notice has been issued against him, adding that the slanders he raised a year ago are being constantly repeated.
"NOT PRESENTING EVIDENCE IS COWARDICE"
In the continuation of his statement, Soylu said, "It is cowardice for these individuals, who have become the toys of all kinds of foreign intelligence, not to present any documents, information, and evidence they have, regardless of the subject. We will never allow the criminals we pursue to tarnish the reputations of our state and those who serve this state. Those who spread these lies and slanders will be held accountable in the most severe manner before the law. You cannot splash your rot and corruption onto us with the mud of slander." He concluded his statement by saying, "We did not find our honor on the road. Let everyone know that I will be pursuing these dishonorable individuals until the end of my life."
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALSO MADE A STATEMENT
In a statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the claims published in a media outlet in Northern Cyprus were denied.
The statement said, "The claims made against our Ministry are completely unfounded. Legal action will be taken against these baseless claims that are not based on any concrete evidence. The repetition of these lies, which aim to undermine the credibility of state institutions and the reputation of individuals, by certain circles in public is an extremely irresponsible attitude. This systematic campaign of slander and defamation, conducted by reiterating illogical fabrications, should not be taken seriously."
WHAT HAPPENED?
On February 8, 2022, around 18:45, Halil Falyalı and his driver Murat Demirtaş were attacked with long-barreled firearms on July 20 Street in the Çatalköy area of the city of Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Murat Demirtaş died at the scene, while Halil Falyalı passed away at the Near East University Hospital where he was taken. Following the murder, in the Turkish leg of the investigation, teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Fighting Branch detained 8 individuals who were alleged to be directly or indirectly connected to the murder in three separate operations conducted on February 9 and 17.
Of the suspects, Mustafa Söylemez, Faysal Söylemez, Abdurrahim Çelik, Ender Yıldız, and Cengiz Şener were arrested, while Metin Süs and two other suspects were released under judicial control.
In the indictment prepared by the prosecution, it was requested that brothers Mehmet Faysal Söylemez and Mustafa Söylemez be sentenced to two life sentences and up to 12 years in prison for "premeditated murder" and "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime."
For the other 4 suspects, it is requested that they be sentenced to between 32 years and 6 months to 46 years in prison for "aiding in premeditated murder" and "being a member of an organization established for the purpose of committing a crime." The indictment states that the murder of Halil Falyalı was planned in September, but was carried out 6 months later because Falyalı was in prison. It is also noted in the indictment that it was carried out in a highly planned and professional manner.