REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

MINISTER GÜRLEK ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS OF JOURNALISTS AT THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TÜRKİYE

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the Department for the Examination of Unsolved Cases, established within the Directorate General for Criminal Affairs, is conducting a detailed examination of unsolved case files.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek answered questions from the press at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye ahead of the AK Party Group Meeting. In his remarks, Minister Gürlek shared information about new initiatives concerning unsolved case files.

Emphasizing that the case files, which raise public sensitivity, are being examined with utmost diligence; Minister Gürlek said: “Within the Directorate General for Criminal Affairs of the Ministry of Justice, we have established the Department for the Examination of Unsolved Cases. There is a Head of Department and a sufficient number of rapporteur judges working here. Our colleagues are reviewing the files in detail. However, of course, this does not necessarily mean that every file will be re-opened or that a perpetrator will be identified.”

Minister Gürlek responded to a question regarding other unsolved cases as follows:

Minister Gürlek emphasized that the case files, which raise public sensitivity, are being carefully examined. He noted: “In the case of Rojin Kabaiş, the mobile phone had previously been sent abroad for decryption. Now, we have established a national team. If we manage to unlock the phone, we believe it will mark a significant step in the investigation. We approach the files on a case-by-case basis rather than focusing on individuals. However, the public generally expects unsolved cases, particularly those involving women and children, to be clarified. Hopefully, there may be positive developments in the Rojin Kabaiş case. Our chief public prosecutors are reviewing it.”

“WE HAVE ISSUED A RED NOTICE FOR THE EXTRADITION OF UMUT ALTAŞ”

Minister Gürlek underlined that the investigation into the disappearance of Gülistan Doku is a matter of public sensitivity, noting that new evidence was obtained in the course of the investigation. He stated that an international arrest warrant was issued for the fugitive suspect Umut Altaş, and added that WhatsApp messages and conversations between the suspect and his father were included in the case file.

Minister Gürlek said: “Regarding Gülistan Doku case, we have issued a Red Notice for the extradition of Umut Altaş from the United States of America. Recently, new communications have emerged, including phone calls and WhatsApp messages with his father. We consider Umut Altaş to be a significant figure, and we are seeking his extradition.”

In response to a question regarding the Red Notice for Umut Altaş, Minister Gürlek stated that a Red Notice was indeed issued and emphasized that the importance of the matter was conveyed to the relevant U.S. authorities with particular sensitivity.

Minister Gürlek stated that they are awaiting the extradition of Umut Altaş, emphasizing that he is the closest witness to the incident. He noted that the investigation is continuing under Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, while Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is particularly following the process concerning the Governor.

“OUR EFFORTS TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR CHILDREN ARE ONGOING”

Minister Gürlek, in his remarks on combating crimes committed by children, stated that the efforts are underway to strengthen the deterrent effect of penalties.

Minister Gürlek stated that they held a meeting with the Minister of Family and Social Services on this matter. He added as follows: “In the 12th Judicial Reform Package, we will introduce a legal regulation to increase penalties for the crimes committed by children. We also discussed this issue with our Minister of Family and Social Services and received their opinions and suggestions. Our work on this matter continues.”

Responding to a question on identity regulations for individuals aged 18 and above on social media, Minister Gürlek said as follows: “Work on this matter is ongoing. Our Ministry of Family and Social Services has already passed its reform package, and we have taken similar examples. All of these are included in the 12th Judicial Reform Package. The social media regulation and the increase of penalties for crimes committed by children are currently in the drafting stage. Once we reach a certain point, we will inform the public.”

In response to a question about the timing of the 12th Judicial Reform Package, Minister Gürlek said: “We do not know that. It has a specific process and procedure.”

Commenting on the “Terror-free Türkiye” initiative, Minister Gürlek said as follows:

“As you know, the memorandum of understanding has been published and submitted to the Parliament. Of course, the authority here lies with the Parliament. We have already stated before that, technically, as the Ministry of Justice, we are ready to contribute during the drafting stage of laws if needed. However, the preparation of laws, the determination of their framework, and the management of the process belong entirely to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. I want to underline this point.”

Regarding the regulation for the victims of IBAN fraud, Minister Gürlek said: “We do not know whether it will be adopted in the Parliament or not. We have prepared a legal regulation.”