MINISTER GÜRLEK: “NO MATTER WHERE THEY FLEE IN THE WORLD, WE REQUEST THE EXTRADITION OF CRIMINALS AND MAINTAIN A RESOLUTE STANCE.”
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek underlined that the extradition processes of those, who commit crimes in Türkiye and flee abroad, are being pursued with determination; and he stated as follows: “Since taking office, we have consistently requested the extradition of criminals, no matter where they escape in the world, and we maintain a resolute stance. Whoever commits a crime in Türkiye and flees abroad, we follow this process to the very end.”
During his official visit to Azerbaijan, Minister of Justice Gürlek paid tribute at the martyrs’ memorials. He first laid a wreath at the tomb of late President Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor. Later, he visited the Eternal Flame Monument and the Baku Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery at the Alley of Martyrs, where he also placed a wreath at the memorial of the martyrs of January 20.
Following his visits, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek addressed members of the press, noting that his first official visit since taking office was to friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan.
Minister Gürlek further stated that he would hold meetings with the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor General, and the heads of the Security Services of Azerbaijan, and that he would also be received by the President Ilham Aliyev.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek emphasized the strong judicial cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, stating that the purpose of his visit is to further consolidate the existing cooperation and to explore new opportunities, particularly within the framework of the judicial cooperation among Turkic States. He stated as follows: “We already maintain extensive cooperation with Azerbaijan in numerous judicial matters. Our objective is to reinforce this partnership and to assess, in the broader context of Turkic States, what additional mechanisms of judicial cooperation can be developed and expanded. As you are aware, we have introduced the notarial practice within the scope of the cooperation among Turkic States. At present, we are here to engage with our counterparts to comprehensively evaluate, on a reciprocal basis, what further steps can be undertaken both with Azerbaijan and with Turkic States in terms of judicial cooperation.”
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek emphasized that the introduction of the notarial practice within the framework of cooperation among Turkic states constitutes an important step. He further noted that the objective is to enhance mutual exchange of experience in judicial proceedings and to strengthen institutional cooperation.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek also drew attention to Türkiye’s determination in combating crimes, recalling that 197 individuals were extradited from 31 countries during the first six months of the year. He underlined that, since taking office, the Ministry has closely monitored the extradition processes of those, who commit crimes in Türkiye and flee abroad, and continued as follows:
“Since taking office, we have consistently requested the extradition of criminals, regardless of where they may flee in the world. In this regard, we maintain a resolute stance. We renew our extradition requests, and whenever there are missing documents or new evidence, we bring them forward again. We also raise these matters during our official visits. As you know, this issue was addressed during our previous visit to Russia, and likewise, it has been brought up here in Azerbaijan. We are grateful that the Republic of Azerbaijan and its Minister of Justice have extended every possible support in this matter. Whoever commits a crime in Türkiye and escapes abroad, we pursue the extradition process to its conclusion. Any newly submitted documents or updated information are duly incorporated into the case files. Within the framework of our bilateral relations and judicial cooperation, we expect the extradition of such individuals to Türkiye.”
Minister Gürlek was accompanied during his visit by the Ambassador of Türkiye to Baku Birol Akgün.