21.07.2026 16:40
A striking development occurred in the Gülistan Doku investigation. Rüstem Keskin, the former boss of Umut Altaş, who was wanted as part of the investigation and arrested in the USA, conveyed the conversation between Altaş and Türkay Sonel to JASAT as described to him. Keskin claimed that Umut Altaş stated Türkay Sonel told him that both he and his father, Tuncay Sonel, had a relationship with Gülistan Doku.
An audio recording has emerged of a briefing given to the Tunceli Gendarmerie Crime Investigation Team (JASAT) by Rüstem Keskin, former boss of Umut Altaş, who is wanted as part of the Gülistan Doku investigation and currently detained in the USA, following a meeting Keskin had with Umut.
The conversation that former boss Rüstem Keskin relayed to JASAT has been entered into the investigation file.
SCANDALOUS ALLEGATION REGARDING FORMER GOVERNOR
Keskin claimed that Umut Altaş told him that Türkay Sonel had relationships with Gülistan Doku, both personally and through his father Tuncay Sonel.
Keskin alleged that Umut Altaş recounted that on January 5, 2020, the day Gülistan Doku disappeared, around 16:00-17:00, Türkay Sonel dropped him off from the vehicle in front of the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen in Atatürk Neighborhood, saying, "I'll be back in half an hour," but returned about an hour later in a panicked and hurried state.
"THERE WAS A SMELL LIKE BLOOD IN THE VEHICLE"
Rüstem Keskin further alleged that Umut Altaş told him, "When Türkay Sonel returned, he told me, 'Get in the car immediately.' There was a smell resembling blood in the vehicle. The car was a BMW. Because I asked too many questions, Türkay Sonel soon dropped me off and told me to go home by minibus. He dropped me off about 3-5 minutes away from the Sarısaltuk Viaduct by car."
"I NEVER SAW HER" HE HAD SAID
Umut Altaş had previously told the prosecutor's office that he had never seen Gülistan Doku. However, Rüstem Keskin claimed that Altaş told him he had seen Gülistan Doku once at Emirgan Cafe in Tunceli. Keskin noted that Altaş said Türkay Sonel was also with them during that meeting.
Rüstem Keskin also alleged that Umut Altaş said Türkay Sonel referred to Gülistan Doku as "the girl I hang out with" when speaking to him.
"CONTINUED COMMUNICATION AFTER GOING TO THE USA"
Keskin claimed that Türkay Sonel maintained contact with Umut Altaş while Altaş was in the USA and sent him a video of a bloody, decapitated corpse about a year ago. Keskin, who also alleged that Altaş invited Türkay Sonel to America, claimed that Türkay Sonel said he would be called a 'FETÖ member' if he went to the USA.
Keskin further alleged that Altaş told him Türkay Sonel asked whether Altaş knew about his father's connection to FETÖ. Rüstem Keskin stated that during the meeting, Umut Altaş recalled past events, answered questions, and appeared to be in a generally normal state of mind.