03.06.2026 15:00
A red notice decision had been issued for Umut Altas, the key figure in the Gülistan Doku murder, who is in the USA. It has been announced that Umut Altas, detained by US authorities, will be extradited to Turkey. Altas will be brought to Turkey in the coming days.
In the case of 21-year-old Gülistan Doku, a Child Development student at Munzur University who went missing in Tunceli on January 5, 2020, and was confirmed to have been murdered as part of an investigation reopened in recent months, the most critical development towards justice has occurred. With the arrest of 12 individuals, including the former Tunceli governor and his son, which made headlines across Turkey, one of the most important fugitive suspects, Umut Altaş, has been captured in the United States where he had taken refuge.
US authorities accepted the extradition request
According to the latest information obtained by Sabah newspaper; Umut Altaş, described as the key figure who will unravel the mystery surrounding Gülistan Doku's murder and for whom a red notice was issued by Interpol, was taken into custody in an operation by US security forces. Following coordinated diplomatic efforts by the Turkish Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US judicial authorities have officially decided to extradite Altaş to Turkey.
He will be brought to Turkey in the coming days
In a leaked audio recording from the American police station where he was held in recent days, Altaş was heard saying, "I will tell the prosecutor everything I know. I will be sent back to Turkey. I have the proof of everything in my hands, I will hand the killer over to you." After the completion of extradition procedures, Altaş is expected to be flown to Turkey under extensive security measures in the coming days.
Umut Altaş, who is expected to change the fate of the Gülistan Doku case, which has seen no trace of her for 6 years, is anticipated to be referred to the courthouse for questioning as soon as he sets foot on Turkish soil, and his testimony is expected to shed light on the dark aspects behind the murder. The Doku family, who have been seeking justice for their child for years, and the public are awaiting the day when the fugitive suspect will face the judge.